But this is what I have to say on this. A writing schedule is must for you if you are not highly motivated writer, and who cannot start writing on the word go. And guess what most of us do not fit in this description. We all need, therefore, a writing schedule to help us perform the work we have taken ourselves.

Yes, each one of us has taken writing work on our own, no one ever have forced us to do so. I know of no parents who want their sons and daughters to become writers. It is the calling we got from inside and now as you are sunk deep into it you have started to feel lethargic. This is where a writing schedule steps in and pushes us forward, and we trod until we gain momentum.

Why to have a writing schedule?

1. It helps us remain on course.
2. It makes us finish our job on time.
3. Following a writing schedule gives us freedom to do anything productive with rest of the day, which will not be the case if there is no schedule.
4. In the absence of a schedule we end of thinking about finishing our writing assignment throughout the day, which is such a waste of time.

This is all I can think as of now. I need your help to list down all the benefits of having a writing schedule. How else do you think following a writing schedule is going to help someone? Use the comment box and send your suggestions. I am waiting impatiently to hear your ideas.

How to avoid it?

Fortunately, there is a way out of it, which anyone of you can use to avoid distraction, regardless of your situation.

Assign yourself a place of work

This is the must-take action for any freelance writer. It is not good to carry your laptop and sit anywhere in your home to work, well occasional working-in-kitchen will not hurt but do not make it a routine. I know it sounds against the spirit of freelance writing—you can work from anywhere and anytime—but this is worth a deviation. Find a lonely corner in your house and turn it into a workplace.

Fix your work hours

I may sound like talking against the freedom of freelance writing, but my intention is not to drag you back into the 9-5 job that you left in the past, it is only to help you produce more. And as it is you can anytime pull the string and call it off.

Work, no matter what

Once you fix your work hour, you should stick to it, no matter what. Well, you can deviate from “no matter what” principle without any guilt feeling when you know you need to. Occasion deviation never hurts, at least not in our profession.

Talk to your family

At times, getting things write just need a word from us. Talk to your family and tell them that you are working around here, so not to create distraction. Well this might not work with a disgruntled spouse, but in most of the cases, this will be enough. Believe it or not, they understand the value of the work you are doing.

As you can see, fighting off distraction does not take so much of muscle power as much it takes discipline and tactics. What are your tactics to fight this monster off? Use the comment box and tell me your strategies.

Consulting
Information technology consultants are always in high demand, as they provide information to businesses about how to better use IT.  A consultant assesses the companies technology needs with what sort of IT options would work best for them.  Consultants can work independently, and oftentimes will function as their own separate entities.  So a consultant job has a lot of freedom, as long as you have the proper credentials.

Analysis
Analysts are another career path.  A systems analyst is in charge of assessing a companies current IT set up, then using the information to make improvements.  So essentially you’re collecting data about how well the system in place works, and then analyzing the data to make the system work better.  An analyst will be responsible for increasing efficiency through streamlining procedures, and updating technology.  Anything that makes the company run more smoothly from an IT perspective, it’s an analyst’s job to find the solution.

Choosing your career path isn’t necessarily easy, but each offer varying levels of freedom.  Really, the deciding factor should be your personal needs and goals.  If you like to be your own boss, a more independent position like consulting might be your best bet.  Weigh the pro’s and con’s of each, and figure out what’s right for you.

Start out getting the certifications you will need in entry level IT opportunities.  Study and gather certificates in Cisco, Java, and Microsoft platform related applications.  This is a good thing to do while you are pursuing a degree from either a 4 year University, or a technical college.  This way you’re setting yourself up for the industry, while getting your education, better preparing yourself in a shorter amount of time.

As you are learning, make sure that you always keep track of IT related news and trends.  The industry is in a constant flux of new ideas and constant change, keeping up on that is very  important.  Only by staying current can you make yourself into an asset at any job you’d like to get in the future.  So keeping your skills and knowledge up to date is invaluable.

Look for a few trade groups that you can join, during your education and beyond, so that you can network within the industry.  Networking is a vital component of any industry, but especially for one that is constantly changing like the IT field.  Getting connected with people already in the industry will help you find entry level positions when you’re out of school.  Not to mention connecting with those that have established themselves helps you learn what’s necessary to succeed in the end.

Finally, make the most of every opportunity.  Take advantage of the first job you get straight out of school, and work hard and apply that knowledge you have in every way.  You first opportunity can make or break you, so take full advantage.