This incredible APODS Series, written by Amanda Cabot is a must read for not only writers, but EVERYONE and I recommend you apply APODS to your life. I am a writer and a practicing attorney, and I found it extremely useful in mine. This post will take you through a summary of each article and a link where you can find more. Even if you’ve been following along, I highly recommend reviewing this Series again. Thank you Amanda for sharing your invaluable expertise!
GETTING TO THE END WITH AMANDA CABOT
This article is the first in the series on time management and getting to the end. Although time management is only one part in the multifaceted solution to getting to the end, it’s an introduction to a system that goes by the acronym APODS — Analysis, Priorities, Organization, Discipline and Support. Get a quick peak at each of these five areas.
APODS — ANALYSIS: ANSWERING THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
The analysis phase is the focus of this article. Every author should answer these 3 tough questions:
- Why do you write?
- Why is this the book of your dreams?
- What is keeping you from finishing the book?
Explore what Amanda offers and think about why writing and this book in particular are important to you.
APODS — Analysis: The Three Ps
The analysis phase of APODS includes three Ps:
- Personality Type
- Productive Times
- Present Use of Time
This article takes a closer look at the first — personality type.
APODS – Analysis: The Three Ps, Part Two
Conclude the analysis phase by looking at time. Before you can manage time, you need to understand how you are using it.
APODS — Priorities: Getting Started
To address priorities, you need to first establish those priorities, understand the opportunity costs of those priorities, and accept the fact that we cannot do everything.
Learn how to make writing your #1 priority.
APODS — Priorities: The Four Ps (Part One)
The Four Ps include: Purpose, Picture, Plan, and Part.
Take an in depth look at the first, purpose.
APODS — Priorities: The Four Ps (Part Two — SMART Goals)
SMART is an acronym to obtain meaningful goals:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-Bound.
Explore what it means, why they are important, and how they serve as guideposts. See how to reach for success!
APODS — Priorities: The Four Ps (Part Three — Plan and Part)
Create the Plan and organize it into a logical sequence. It can be done if you break everything down into small tasks. Check out these tips!
APODS — Priorities: The Opportunity Cost
Are you familiar with opportunity cost? Explore the opportunity cost of writing. Remember, “Time to write is not free.”
APODS — Organization: Advice from the Experts
This article focuses on ideas gleamed from Marilyn Paul’s book, It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys. Amanda discusses 4 of her points she found particularly useful.
APODS — Organization: Part Two
The discussion of Organization is wrapped up with advice from two experts.
APODS — Discipline
Eight particularly useful suggestions are provided to help you get to “The End.”
APODS — Support
Support is the final step in the APODS Series. You will not want to miss this article!
This Series has been an invaluable resource for so many, especially me. What did you find most helpful?
Amanda Cabot is no stranger to getting to “The End.” She juggled a sixty-hour a week job with nonnegotiable deadlines and building a house long-distance at the same time that she wrote two books a year. Whether or not she kept her sanity during that time is debatable. Amanda is the best-selling author of over thirty novels, eight novellas, four non-fiction books, and what she describes as enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city.
Out of the Embers, the first of the Mesquite Springs trilogy, has an official release date of March 3, but it’s currently available for preorder at all the major online retailers. If you prefer brick and mortar stores, your local bookseller should be able to order a copy for you.
You can find Amanda at:www.AmandaCabot.com https://www.facebook.com/amanda.j.cabot
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