How to Write a Non-fiction Book in 14 Days without Feeling Overwhelmed 

How often do you ask yourself: Am I wasting my time?

You know when you're off track. But most people just keep grinding through their day, hoping something clicks. Here's the harsh truth: nothing will change unless you make it change. Every minute you spend without a clear purpose is wasted. And here's the real kicker - it's wasted forever. Time doesn't come back.

So, how do you make sure you're moving forward, not backward? I've got three questions that can cut through the noise, get you focused, and put you back in control of your day, your time, and your goals.

Let's dive in. It's time to stop bleeding time and start getting results.

---

Where's the ROI on Your Time?

Most people don't think about their time like a CEO thinks about investments. 

But you should. Every hour of your life is like money in the bank. The question is, are you getting a return?

For example, think about your last week. How many hours did you spend watching Netflix? How much time was spent scrolling through Instagram? Now, ask yourself - what did you get out of it? Did it get you any closer to your goals?

Probably not.

The problem is, most people treat their time as an infinite resource. It's not. And the only way to avoid wasting it is to track it. Here's what to do next: for one week, write down everything you do. Every hour. If it sounds painful, good - that's the point. You'll be shocked at how much of your time is bleeding away into things that don't matter. Once you've done that, ask yourself: is this time spent yielding any returns?

If it's not, cut it.

---

What Goals Are You Actually Pursuing?

Here's a hard truth - most people don't know what they want. 

You might think you do, but if I asked you to name your top 3 goals right now, could you? Could you list them off without hesitation, and with absolute clarity?

If not, that's a problem. Because if you don't know what you want, how do you expect to get there?

The biggest mistake people make is scattering their attention across too many things. They say yes to too many projects, chase too many opportunities, and spread themselves thin. The result? A lot of half-finished work and no real progress.

Here's what you need to do instead: pick ONE goal. Just one. And it needs to be specific. Not "I want to be successful" or "I want to get in shape." You need something concrete.

For example: "I want to write my non-fiction book in 14 days." Boom. That's a clear, actionable goal.

Once you've nailed down your goal, everything else should be evaluated through that lens. Does this help me reach my goal? If not, it's a distraction. Kill it.

---

Are You Moving Forward or Spinning in Circles?

So, you've figured out your goal. 

You've stopped wasting time. But there's one last question you have to answer: is what you're doing getting you closer to that goal, or are you just staying busy?

Look, a lot of people confuse activity with progress. They're not the same thing. You could be working 12 hours a day, but if you're just spinning your wheels, you're not getting anywhere.

For example, if your goal is to write a book, you could spend hours doing "research." But if you're not actually writing, you're not moving forward. Research is important, but it's a means to an end. At some point, you've got to sit down and start typing.

Here's a trick: every week, take 10 minutes to evaluate your progress. Look at what you've done, and ask yourself: did this move me closer to my goal, or was I just keeping myself busy? Be ruthless. If something's not working, pivot. Don't get attached to a process just because you've been doing it for a while.

To keep it simple: if it's not moving you forward, it's holding you back.

---

How to Stop Wasting Time and Start Writing Your Book

Let's bring it all together. 

You've got your goal - writing your non-fiction book in 14 days. Now it's time to make it happen.

Step one is to cut out all the noise. Netflix, Instagram, YouTube - it's all got to go. For the next 14 days, your time belongs to you and your book.

Next, get clear on your writing schedule. When are you writing? How much are you writing? And most importantly, how will you track your progress?

Here's a simple approach: write for two hours every morning before your day starts. That's it. No distractions, no excuses. Just sit down and write. After those two hours, stop. Walk away. The goal is consistency, not burnout.

By the end of 14 days, you'll have a first draft. It won't be perfect, but it'll be done. And done is better than perfect.

---

The Simple Truth About Time Management

Most people overcomplicate time management. 

They buy fancy planners, download the latest productivity apps, and fill their day with meaningless tasks. But the truth is, time management isn't about doing more - it's about doing less.

It's about cutting out the things that don't matter and focusing on the things that do. It's about understanding that time is your most valuable resource, and once it's gone, it's gone for good.

If you want to write a book, build a business, or achieve any goal, it starts with mastering your time. Because if you don't, you'll look back in a year and wonder where all that time went.

So here's the bottom line: take control of your time. Don't let it slip away. Every minute should count toward something that moves you closer to your goal.

---

The final word…

Now that you've got the tools to reclaim your time and hit your goals, there's only one question left: what are you going to do with it?

If you're serious about making the most of your time and finally getting that book out of your head and onto paper, sign up for The Outlaw Writer newsletter. You'll get exclusive content, tips, and strategies that help you stay on track, cut the distractions, and make real progress.

Don't waste another minute. The clock's ticking. What are you going to do next?

Ready to find out what's possible? Let's get to work. Sign up now.