Photo by Loic Leray on Unsplash
“Life balance is more about intentional imbalance.”
James Clear’s principle in Atomic Habits is like a neon directional sign pointing the way to wholeness.
I wanted to become a writer, and fortunately good advice came my way a quarter century ago. It was simply this:
Writers write.
So, write something every day.
It doesn’t have to be long or profound.
It doesn’t even have to be just right.
It does mean to just write.
Consistency rules.
Everyday I vote for writing.
Writing made me a writer and allowed me to live my life away from the keyboard.
Intentional Imbalance
So, every day, and usually at the start of the day, I write.
There have been seasons in writing a book that it was essential to invest long hours in segments everyday to complete the book on time. But those were short seasons.
Compared to the whole of my day, my writing time is way of out equalized balance with my other activities. I have a full time job at age 72. However, that is where Brian Moran’s quote comes into play. To balance life and writing is to live an intentional imbalance.
I must admit that I have to put a governor on my writing time because I love to write. How about you? I can get lost in writing, especially on Saturdays and realize 2-3 hours have gone by before I know it.
Energy Management
I’ve also learned that what is most profitable to manage is energy, not time. There are lots of books about time management but what created a breakthrough for me was an introduction to energy management.
Do what creates the most important results when you have the highest amount of energy.
I used to run first thing every morning and then work into the late afternoon. But my peak, creative energy is when I wake up. So, now I run or walk after 4:00 pm and start creating at 6:30 am.
Everyday I vote for writing.
Writing made me a writer and allowed me to live my life away from the keyboard.
Intentional Imbalance
So, every day, and usually at the start of the day, I write.
There have been seasons in writing a book that it was essential to invest long hours in segments everyday to complete the book on time. But those were short seasons.
Compared to the whole of my day, my writing time is way of out equalized balance with my other activities. I have a full time job at age 72. However, that is where Brian Moran’s quote comes into play. To balance life and writing is to live an intentional imbalance.
I must admit that I have to put a governor on my writing time because I love to write. How about you? I can get lost in writing, especially on Saturdays and realize 2-3 hours have gone by before I know it.
Energy Management
I’ve also learned that what is most profitable to manage is energy, not time. There are lots of books about time management but what created a breakthrough for me was an introduction to energy management.
Do what creates the most important results when you have the highest amount of energy.
I used to run first thing every morning and then work into the late afternoon. But my peak, creative energy is when I wake up. So, now I run or walk after 4:00 pm and start creating at 6:30 am.
This is a great post, Bob, with lots of practical tips. I like the advice to "write everyday" whether a little or a lot. And yes, it is wiser to manage energy rather than time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie. For your affirmation, your patience and grace. Appreciate your leadership with Inscribe.
Delete"What is most profitable to manage is energy, not time." So true, and especially at this stage of life as an older adult. To do the important things when we are at our energy peak times of the day. Thanks so much, Bob. A great post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda. I like the term "older adult" and not "elderly" or just plain ol.' "old." :) God bless.
DeleteThat was a helpful read. My energy is in the morning where I begin with my devotions. What if I was more disciplined with my get up time and after devotions, I deliberately wrote? I’m going to give it a go. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLet me know, please, how that works for you. It's writing with your non-dominant hand. It may be awkward at first, but you'll catch on.
DeleteI like the concept of ‘intentional imbalance’ and the simple yet profound advice you received. Thanks for sharing the wisdom you have gained along the journey, Bob.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. Balance is overrated. Gotta do what works. My pastoral life was out of balance with my family life timewise, but both were and are healthy after 47 years.
DeleteThank you for your words here, Bob. Energy management is where I live. Health issues have led me to be more focused on how I spend my energy. I love this line of yours, "Do what creates the most important results when you have the highest amount of energy." To complete the book I am working on I have to maximize my energy. Thank you once again, brother.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to connecting each month as we respond to each other's posts, as well as on Substack.
DeleteI used to frustrate myself by trying to create at 10:00pm. Now I just read at that time, get some sleep and start creating in the morning. God bless your health, friend.
Thank you Bob. I needed this wisdom in this season of my life: Writers write, so write something every day. Going off to do just that!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Keep going, Michelle!
Deletewow… this is all greek to me. Sound like a lot of pressure to me! My energy is used up where and when the “work” needs to get done! But since i’m only 76 not an older adult yet.. perhaps that will change lol
ReplyDeleteYah. 76 is a youngin'. Purposeful work keeps us young. Even fishing.
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