Accomplish More, Work Less! by Sandi Somers

 

Have you ever wished you could accomplish so much more with your writing? The Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci gave us a clue in the above quote. How can we do that?

I was first introduced to this idea as a young writer with an article entitled, “One Idea, Seven Articles”. It suggested that you can send the same item to seven different sources, possibly revising content to match the focus of the magazines. The writer added that in the process, you’ll find different readers and expand your influence. (Now with technology, we have greater possibilities—an audiobook, podcast, e-book, speaking engagements, a course, a coaching.)

Here are several ways I’ve reduced, reused, and recycled articles for a greater purpose.

Reorganize. One of the highlights of the Covid season was going birding on Sunday mornings when our church was closed and when we were restricted from many activities. In the short time following, It was delightful to write three different items on my birding experiences —two articles and one devotion (all published).

Re-enlarge an article/idea. For example, I’ve written short devotions that were published in The Upper Room or other devotional booklets. Later I added more content for our IWO blog posts. I’m now in the process of expanding the stories into book chapters to delve deeper into details.  I could even incorporate parts in a podcast or speaking engagement.

Recover nuggets from oldies. In an article published long ago, I imaginatively recounted Robert Louis Stevenson’s childhood experiences of writing the poem, “The Land of Storybooks”. With almost no changes, it much later became a perfect lead-in to an article on reading.

Remain on hold. It’s always a good idea to set aside an article or book to germinate. When I’ve done this, returning to it months (and even years) later, I could see it with a different perspective and knew how to complete it successfully.

Retread or reject? Car tires can be retreaded (not that I’d choose to retread mine), or at some stage they need to be discarded. In writing, I’ve sometimes considered whether to bring an old idea to life or let it die. Wisdom is needed to know the difference.

Reduce clutter. Although this strategy doesn’t reuse material in a new way, it improves efficiency. I knew I needed to become more efficient in what I call “pre-drafts” and first drafts. Previously, I had a habit of over-researching some backgrounds, writing several first attempts and then letting them sit in my computer files.  With time, I’ve become more competent in writing drafts so that I don’t have as much clutter in my folders.

Rethink for efficiency. Years ago I entered a contest that required 800 words maximum. But my good draft was 1150 words (without an introduction or conclusion!!). My goodness! How could I reduce it? First, I deleted chunks—repeated ideas, a paragraph or two, or an unnecessary sentence. This process enabled me to see more clearly the main points I was trying to emphasize. I still wasn’t down to 800 words. So next I focused on the smaller points: deleting individual words or changing phrasing. Finally, I reached 800 words—and won the contest! This process has stood me in good stead in my writing and in coaching others.

Research and brainstorm for new possibilities. I’ve asked myself, “How can I reorganize or slant an item to bring new life? How can I stretch beyond my comfort zone to attempt something new?” I’m so thankful the Lord injects new ideas, new ways of writing.

Reveal?  Now over to you. You’ve poured yourself into works of art/writing. What does accomplishing more and working less reveal? It means you can:

·       Save your energy for new ideas

·       Reach a wider audience and influence more people

·       Increase your skills as you revise or adapt your work

·       Expand your horizons 

Reflect. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. The wise servants increased the earnings their master initially gave them. With the talent and ability the Lord gives us, we can faithfully aim to use our “R” concepts to work less and accomplish more of His purposes, and to reach a wider world that needs our words. 

Image by Colter Reed