Dennis Schulz

For the longest time, I was a chronic people-pleaser. Every time someone asked me for a favor, to join a project, or even just to hang out, my immediate response was “yes.” I didn’t even pause to think about whether I actually had the time, energy, or desire to commit. It’s almost like I felt obligated to agree to everything, out of fear of disappointing someone or appearing unhelpful. But over time, constantly saying yes began to wear me down. I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and often found myself stretched so thin that I couldn’t give my best to anything I had agreed to. What I didn’t realize back then is that saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. We can’t do it all, and we shouldn’t feel like we have to. It took a lot of trial and error for me to understand that by saying no, I was actually protecting my time and energy for the things that mattered most to me. I started recognizing the importance of setting boundaries, not just for my own well-being, but also to show up better in ...

Time management is the backbone of a successful writing career. Balancing creativity with deadlines, promotions, and personal commitments can be challenging. However, with effective time management strategies, one can cultivate a productive and satisfying writing routine. In this post, I'll share insights and tips that have helped me manage time more effectively and enhance my writing productivity. Firstly, setting clear goals is essential. Starting each project with specific objectives, whether it’s completing a chapter, revising a draft, or researching a new topic, is crucial. These goals are broken down into manageable tasks, making the writing process less overwhelming and more achievable. This approach not only provides direction but also a sense of accomplishment as each task is completed. Next, prioritization plays a crucial role. Not all writing tasks are equally important. By prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and significance, I ensure that critical tasks a...