Plan Your Life To Hit A Deadline (like NaNoWriMo) \\ Preptober 2022

[@amandarobinson6500]

I started a “uniform” years ago. Black/navy leggings, a couple colors of tanks, maxi skirts. It’s basically all I wear. I have a handful of other pieces in my closet but everyday wearing is my uniform.

[@missyb7311]

I know you used to be a teacher too, but that kind of prep is what got me through the first weeks of school each year (recently retired). Also, adopting a 'uniform' got me through the last 5 years of teaching. Rotating through 8 performance polos and 3 pairs of pants. Game changer.

[@HeartBreathings]

Yesss! This was one of my favorite topics this year, and I hope you find it super helpful! Let me know if any of these tips resonated with you. Also, I will add that scheduling in "down time" for yourself, like sitting outside, playing a game, etc, can be helpful too. More about this next week in our talk about mental health.

[@joannaholden943]

I needed this today SO BADLY! The looming deadline of needing to have my plotting done before the first has my brain scrambling. This is helping me to calm down and make a plan instead of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.

[@HeartBreathings]

@@joannaholden943 so glad it’s helpful

[@hannahheart1254]

Could I start nanoramo late or should I wait for next year to do it? I have a full time job during the week. I get up at 5 to get ready for my job then leave my house a quarter to 6 and then I don’t get off work till 3 and don’t get home till 4:30 or 5. I have to take two buses to get to work

[@nightlady2001]

​@@hannahheart1254did you do it? If not, there's always this year. And maybe you can write on your bus commute. I have heard of famous authors who started out doing just that. Including jk rawlings. You can do this! ❤

[@michaelneff2507]

4:19 - Plan for who we are today- that is so, so , so very true. We think we are who we remember we were.

[@clk9123]

These were helpful ideas, thank you! Cutting up the fruit each week, it's sometimes just the littlest things that we don't think about that makes life 10x easier lol. Also, love your necklace! :)

[@kempfreehold9450]

Oh and I thought of something else, meal planning is so much easier when you have a theme. So: Week 1: Sunday: piece of meat (roast, whole chi ken) and sides Mon: Mexican Tues: Italian Wed: soup/salad, sandwiches Thurs: tightwad (so pantry meal like rice and beans or anything that's in the pantry) Friday: fun (so homemade pizza, nachos etc( Saturday:leftovers Week2 Sunday: meat with sides Monday: international Tuesday: Asian Wed: Fish Thurs: pantry Fri: fun Sat: leftovers With this frame work, I can plan two weeks worth of meals quickly. I use the leftovers from Sunday to make Monday and Tuesday, sometime Wed, dinners.

[@kempfreehold9450]

When I taught school, I had a different outfit for each day of the week. The kids would say, "Must be Friday. Mrs. Kemp is wearing her purple hippy skirt." So if you're not comfortable wearing the exact same thing everyday, this is a useful tactic too. You make your decisions once and then you're done. I also hang them all up in the closet as outfits

[@annelyle5474]

My writing uniform is yoga pants with past years' NaNoWriMo winner's t-shirts 😀 I also prep my working week's breakfasts on a Sunday evening - I don't have enough fridge and freezer space to prep everything else, but at least it makes mornings a no-brainer!

[@knottyneedle]

No thinking about clothing is a reason uniforms for work are so great. You don't have to think about what to put on. A lot of organization and/or productivity books have you set up clothes for each day of the week so you don't have to think about it. That decision is already made.

[@sagikerius]

Well. I must say that I just love your channel. I came here from the planner community, am not even a writer, but I find so many of your tips, talks, etc, to be sooooo helpful. Thank you!

[@victoriatalkswriting8352]

I love this video! I've attempted the traditional "50k" NaNo twice and both times got about 20,000 words. I was proud of that, but I think I would've celebrated it more if I realized I wrote all I realistically had time for. And it was still a great experience! I appreciated that you mentioned executive functioning because it's something a lot of people probably don't think about. I'm autistic and I already have a harder time with executive functioning than most people, and I naturally default to wearing similar outfits because it's just one less decision to make. I feel the opposite way about cooking though, I love it and like how many creative decisions I get to make, and don't find it stressful at all. I think there's something to be said for expressing creativity outside of writing, but in a way that feels natural and fun not stressful or forced.

[@HeartBreathings]

Such a great point!!!

[@Lunamoose-q2v]

I also have a disability though not autism. It affects my body not my mind. I can't write phycally can't type with both hands only one 😀

[@elizabethlandis6050]

Same here! I’m autistic and enjoy cooking as well. I also default to wearing similar outfits regularly as well. Despite enjoying cooking, I’m not as into baking, but that has to do with me having celiac disease, but someday I might try more gluten free baking. I like experimenting with different ingredients and seeing how it alters the flavor and overall look of a dish. This year is my first nano and I’m excited!

[@janalewis3030]

I won the last 2 NaNos and hope to make this year #3 - need to get planning done, though. My trick was to have the outline completely written out and I set up my Scrivener file with chapter titles that describe what is supposed to happen. My other trick is that I would get up at 4am and get a solid hour of writing in with no distractions because everyone else was asleep (even the dog!). I know it's insane, but it works for me. (I used to get up that early to work out so it wasn't a huge adjustment for me). Just a thought if there are other crazy early-birds needing suggestions. Good luck, everyone!

[@susan-7865]

I could really use that. Last year, I entered my first NaNoWriMo last year I finished 32,000 words out of 50,000 words. Only because I moved from Florida back to New Jersey.

[@cheyennedealy809]

I have already watched this video twice! I have always planned meals and things like that but have never considered planning my wardrobe. That was a game changing advice. Thank you so much!

[@bodine219]

Wow! All of the executive function tips are amazingly ADHD friendly. I recently discovered my ADHD as an adult and this quarter is my first using HB90 and it is *also* incredibly ADHD friendly. Awesome video!!

[@tashagaines8458]

This was so eye-opening! I've been aware of time wasters in life and try to eliminate those but I haven't thought about things that use brain/thinking power and make me feel mentally tired. thank you for this and these great ideas!

[@CarolinaBury]

Nice video! I feel very bored wearing uniforms, but the "prepare looks on Sunday" is wonderful for me. I've been doing this for a while: just take 10-15 minutes every Sunday to look at the forecast and choose 5-66 pre-tested looks that I know it will fit and that I like.

[@iralell]

Fantastic tips. I paused half a dozen times to make a reminder, order supplies or add something to the calendar. HUGE help!

[@tryingtoputitintowords]

I love this so much! I tend to have really stressful Novembers and squeezing in NaNo is hard-it definitely takes some planning!

[@jenyalegin]

😍 thanks for making videos that add true value to the community. it's so easy to forget that we don't just need to prepare our stories but our mind and soul as well

[@stephaniecarter973]

I loved this topic. I have prepped in the past for the writings but to prep my life will be a game changer.

[@Road2Peachtree]

This has been one of your best videos yet. A lot of these nuggets can definitely be used for the other 11 months of the year too. I'm probably late to the party but the Steve Jobs uniform thing messed me up (in a good way).

[@adriannanorth]

Thanks for this video! The hardest thing for me is cleaning the darn house! I just have to accept that it’s going to be messy in one way or another!!! Love the idea of a transition ritual!

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes! I think it’s a balance of letting things go and trying to do your best!

[@twistedrose9014]

I'm going to try this year but I have a 2 year old and 10 month old so I'll be happy with whatever words I get.

[@SBNunez]

I'm so excited for nanowrimo!! I ordered a keyboard to use so I can also type on my iPad for when I don't want to be on my desk.

[@janiswildy1848]

Love this video! You really thought about us writers and now I'm excited to use these tips to get writing! I can't resist a planning video, and that excitement is helping overcome the resistance to working on a first draft! Plus love any excuse to think about a uniform/capsule wardrobe!

[@AngelaDrakeA]

Good morning, Sarra. The clothes thing really clicked with me. I'm going to pull out my Halloween T-shirts and buy black leggings. These will be just my Nano wardrobe. At the end of Nano, I'll put them in a tote labeled NANO.. whether it's Camp or Nano and wear them only for Nano occasions. Putting these items on will be that 'muse reminder'. I also use a crock pot a lot. Burrito Bowl, Cheesy Chicken n Rice, pizza dip, etc. I'll be sharing my list in group later. Thanks for always being our Champion. Creative Blessings!

[@nightlady2001]

Great idea!

[@nightlady2001]

I have a bunch of snarky t-shirts I have been eying on temu that I might use for writing rewards. Regardless, I might use those for my writing uniform, as my goal is to be able to stay home and write full time someday. So when I wear them it's like I'm wearing the closes I want to be able to wear all the time one day.

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

Loving the spooky backgrounds, Sarra!

[@lakeshagadson357]

I have to practice on my writing and becoming an editor or if I still want to do freelance writing in my own life

[@AnggiSahamCantik]

Thank you fot sharing these tips. This is useful not only for writing. It's good to do deep work for everything ❤ Thank you, Sara 😘

[@kimward3255]

I don't have anyone that I can ask to help with the meals and laundry since I am a single parent and sole provider. However, I carve out time in the morning and in the evening specifically for housework and family meals.

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

I love how realistic your advice is. You have the best videos

[@tomikodickinson2803]

Hi Sara just wanted you to know that I’ve been doing what you’re talking about in this video I m very proud of you I’ve been doing it for years I’m just glad you finally caught on ❤

[@deborahneary2185]

You are an amazing person. Thank you for everything you do for all of us.

[@leelens3]

Thanks for sharing! Always good to have a toolbox of ideas for when NaNo hits

[@roweenajaneecallow2916]

I found the information about reducing time picking out clothes particularly helpful. Even though I may not plan on wearing very similar things every day I have more time on the weekends and I can set some things aside for the week to save time in the morning.

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

Hey Sarra, thank you for your video :) There are some pretty good tips there. I find that meal prepping is a good idea in general. Sometimes I'm not in the mood to cook every day :P Also another thing I've been doing for the past two years is intermittent fasting. So I only eat twice a day, breakfast and dinner, no snacks in between. It's not just healthy but when it comes to NaNo it saves a lot of time too. I'm lucky enough to write two hours right in the morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. before breakfast and university. I found writing in the morning the best way for me because my brain is still "empty" and relaxed from sleeping. No distracting thoughts. Having a specific writing time also helps my body to prepare and get in the mood and the ideas keep flowing faster. When it comes to other rituals I lit a candle while I write and before starting I use some coco vanilla handcreme by "Jean&Lean". That way my body is getting ready on different levels. Same time, same smell, same action...for 30 days :) Wishing you and all the others here a wonderful last week of Preptober and an awesome NaNo!!! We'll all gonna rock it!!! :D Sending love and creative vibes

[@LesandaMooreAuthor]

Another awesome video. I just downloaded Books 1-3. Thank you.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!!

[@SuzanneKelmanAuthor]

Thank you, Sarra; as always, this is perfect. I have had a "uniform" for a while now after I learned that Steve Jobs wore the same clothes daily. Also, eating the same things every week with a few other choices. Using a Crockpot helps a lot. And doubling up meals, so there are always leftovers, means I only cook three times a week. I love the caddy, and the moveable writing desk might need to invest in those this NaNo :-)

[@conniehensley5568]

This is a plan I'm gonna work!!! Thank you for your videos!!!

[@maryjocampbell6019]

Sarra your videos help me get through my commute home and tackle kitchen clean up once I’m here! Love being able to absorb your tips and stash in my brain for later. Weekend goal: get my NaNo writing schedule down. And start batch cooking again!

[@nightlady2001]

Great video. Thank you so much. I want to make the peanut butter cookies,maybe this weekend! It was very helpful to see your meal prepping tips because i definitely want to do that. I was also thinking of trying to incorporate making healthier meals too into this, for health reasons. I figure if its already ready I'll eat it! There is a guy that does vegan meal prep videos , vegangym, or something like that but his meals look great and u are supposed to be able to prep a whole week worth of meals , 3 a day, plus snacks in only 1 hour!! This sounds especially good to me for weeks 2-4 when I will already be writing! Love the comfy clothes planning but i already pretty much wear the same stuff basically so i probably don't need it but i might give it a shot anyway because who doesn't like new things? And putting on my writing shirt or clothes would be good to keep on track. Cant wait till i can wear them full time! And, super love your house. Its gorgeous!!!

[@TheLadyAli]

Love this video Sarra!! I tend to always clean my house and food prep as a part of my NaNo prep. Love that I'm not the only one lol.

[@debl3063]

Eliminating decisions is simple but so effective. Lots of good tips here, Sarra.

[@jamieb2289]

I needed this just in general, not only for NaNo, haha! Saving time with clothes and meals, and keeping a tidy space will for sure be lifesavers. Thank you for making this video!

[@susan-7865]

I'm going to focus!

[@tammy2830]

Oh, geez! How do I save executive function when I am wrangling middle schoolers all day?😂😬😑 I do put my clothes out at night (limiting choices makes it easier). The meal prep I have not done though, so I’m going to try adding that to my Sundays. Thanks for the ideas/brainstorming.

[@anacosta5635]

Love, love, lurve this extremely helpful video! Thank you so much Sarra for these amazing tips. Have a wonderful weekend & best of luck for the rest of Preptober 💜

[@crystalmorrison4463]

Loving the ideas in this one-especially the caddies. Not only fun to create but I plan to use my snack caddy as my reward bucket. Once I get my goals accomplished or at least halfway through I can treat myself to a snack… And another one at the end! Lol. This was really a great video, my friend!

[@cecilywolfe4571]

that white hello kitty backpack in your closet ❤

[@MSOHare1981]

I have a question, not related to this video, but do you know of a good character profile for a supernatural being? The character's not a main character but is a prevalent part of the story as she helps the main character with her psychic powers. So, it's not really a demon or villain, but it's also not human so things like its birthday, star sign, age.... isn't exactly important to her. I can't find a good list of important questions/details to include for a character like her, a creature that isn't human and not an evil demon.

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

Thank you! I really appreciated this video. I feel a little silly about telling people about my participating in NaNoWriMo but I need to just get over it and communicate and reach out for that support from family and friends.

[@jenller]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@susan-7865]

I like the video background!

[@lizziestarr]

Excellent thoughts and hints. Well worth rewatching! Thanks. 💖

[@mariajromaley]

Really good video with good tips, thx. Actually, my kids become my coachs, asking me if I write today and how much XD. Best cheerleaders ever ! kisses from France

[@annejia5382]

love love looooooove the thumbnail 💓

[@jess_writes_a_book]

Everything in this video is so so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@susan-7865]

It would help writers finish their books!

[@susan-7865]

Interesting ... from 16 -38 I used a typewriter to type up my stories. Then I started typing on a laptop.

[@Insidekimsworld]

This is very valuable! I was worried how I was going to make everything flow. I have some ideas now.

[@starrynightfall00]

This video is so so helpful, thank you :)

[@brittney3165]

just let me and my chaotic armful of stuff shamble from room to room in peace lmao. never would have thought to create a caddy if i wasn't at my desk!

[@christiannaauthor]

Such good advice thank you!

[@HSSbyNairo]

This is SUCH a great video! And btw- did you say discord? Do you have your own server? if you do is it open to new members? I have one too tho it's a diff genre it's crafting..... and I am trying so hard to have a Readers channel within LOL ... Anyway I talk a lot but if you have a server community I would love to join if its open to members :D

[@susan-7865]

Hoepfully this year I'll reach 50,000 words on my new YA dark novel

[@bethtanner4481]

How is Nanowrimo so soon!?!

[@HeartBreathings]

Time is flying

[@HaliaStone]

Right? Wasn’t it like October 1st last week? 😅

[@tannilles]

I still think you're superwoman Sarra. 😀

[@michaelneff2507]

TEXAS? Are you near Greenville, which is near Dallas FtW? I got family there

[@stephanieflowers2783]

So many fantastic ideas!! Thank you 😊

[@dyarob9564]

Very helpful!

[@thelvey1]

I can't concentrate; I'm too worried about Hello Kitty!

[@HeartBreathings]

😂

[@MichelleOsorio]

😮same 😅

[@HeartBreathings]

No kitties were harmed in the making of this video😂.

[@pixypunkcraft]

Do you not like the sacrifice to the writing gods?

[@snhrichards]

Great video

[@inesjohnsonwrites]

Sarra, what's the link for that purple keyboard?

[@Acero405Don]

🤣🤣 Biggest distraction my neighbors.

[@iralell]

Could you please come clean MY closet? 😅