2014 was a significant year for me. It was when I started to call myself a
writer. The highlight early in the year
was the release of my first book.
Holding that book in my hands didn’t seem like the realization of a
dream as much as the beginning of one.
Attending two writers’ conferences and making connection
with other Christian writers were important factors in following that dream. It was a blessing as well as a relief to meet
others whose minds also went in strange directions. I learned that I’m not crazy, I’m a writer!
My problem has been in keeping my motivation when I am
back in my own little world. On that
note, it’s time to get honest and admit that I have a big problem. I know I’m not the only one afflicted with
this, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.
The issue I struggle with is procrastination. I’ve joked about this by saying things like,
“Why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?” or “If it wasn’t for the last
minute nothing would ever get done.” All
joking aside, this has got to stop.
Case in point: I sat down at my computer to do some
writing. Since I was there anyway, I
might as well check my email. There was
one with a link to a blog I follow, so needed to click on that and read today’s
post. That reminds me, I should check on
my latest blog post to see how it’s doing.
I wonder why this one doesn’t have as many views on Facebook as the last
one. Maybe I should check and see who
“liked” it. Before I log out I should
take a quick look at my news feed. There
are a couple of things I need to comment on.
Oh look, here’s a test to see which Disney Princess I’d be. That looks like fun.
It’s time to get back to my writing. I started out strong but am stuck for just
the right words now. Maybe I’ll just
play a game (or three) of computer solitaire while I’m waiting for inspiration
to strike. I’d go back to my story but
think I need a snack and maybe a hot drink.
While I’m here I should probably throw a load of laundry in. Oh yes, I was going to bake muffins today. I can always go back to my writing while
they’re in the oven.
This would be funny if it weren’t an accurate picture of
how easily my day can get off track.
What I want most is to write.
What I fear is that what I write isn’t good enough that anyone will want
to read it. If I procrastinate long
enough, I won’t have to worry what anyone will think because there won’t be
anything written. My self-sabotage will
be complete.
This story is getting old and needs a new ending. I can’t keep doing this to myself. The only one who can eliminate this problem
is me. For 2015 I need to set writing goals, be firm with myself and stick to
them. Even more importantly, I need to make sure my writing is covered in prayer.
God has called me to be a writer. With his guidance I
can do this.
I can
do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians
4:13 NIV
blog: http://www.timewithtandy.com
Tandy, I think you've been peeking into my home during my writing times! (You make me laugh, though. Which Disney Princess might you be? Ha ha.)
ReplyDeleteAs you work on a plan, please let us know if you find any strategies that work for you. It might be an answer for me, too!
That is absolutely priceless. It describes me to a T but you left out falling asleep while playing solitaire which leads to a nap. I'm with you on setting new goals.
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that. (Except for the Disney princess part. I've never had the desire to be a Disney princess...) It is SOOOOO easy to get sidetracked, especially by social media and emails etc.
ReplyDeleteI try to set aside a writing time and/or quota of words that I MAKE MYSELF DO before I allow a peek at FB or whatever. Set a timer if you must. Shut the door to your office. If you're not in the mood or uninspired, write anyway. The muse tends to follow in a very short time.
Tandy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so honest. I've been here too. I listened to a video by Eben Pagan and he suggested establishing a morning routine where you choose to do the important things FIRST. (He said when we check e-mail first we let other people set our agenda.) I've changed my approach this past week and have found I've accomplished much more. If you're interested, Eben has a video on curing procrastination: http://getaltitude.com/wup-video3.
Let us know how things are going in a week or two, or write a follow up post next month :)
Tandy, have you been sitting beside me? Congratulations on releasing your first book! And thanks for your honesty about procrastination. There does seem to always be something else I could be working on (good things, too, not just my games) and suddenly the time for writing is gone. I've been doing this for years, not really sure I even want to be a writer, as much as I like writing! But God has called, so I too have set new goals with Him. I like some of the suggestions from others, too. Learning discipline is never easy, but when I see others who have persevered, I see hope. Praying we all learn to resist temptation in 2015.
ReplyDeletePS - I just took that Princess test this morning and got Belle LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks Tandy for your honest post. I procrastinated so much this month (injuries and sickness aside) that I didn't even get my post written. It is very discouraging and I find that when I get my mind too much on what other writers are doing/writing that I do even worse but at the same time I need their input and motivation so it is definitely a balancing act between reading those blogs and doing my own writing. I also get the part about worrying that your writing won't be accepted. I think that is definitely a huge part of procrastination for me. I guess we are all in this writing thing together and thanks again for your honesty which helps me to be honest with myself.
ReplyDeleteExactly me. I am glad I am not the only one!
ReplyDeleteHaHa...I actually read your blog while I was procrastinating. I am glad I did, but I had better get back to my writing now :)
ReplyDeleteI so understand this!! I found many distractions these past couple of years and now say Stop It! I think reading other blogs can be tagged as research, not procrastination though. I like to think that anyways!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can! If I, the queen of divergent-ADHD-mental-rabbit-trails, can do it, anyone can. Or I should say, if God can start to change my habits, he can change anyone's. He is faithful. Happy writing in 2015, Tandy.
ReplyDelete