Oo, Shiny! by Steph Beth Nickel

This month we're discussing Fighting the Distractions.

I may have to approach the subject as Papa Bear taught his son to ride a bicycle in the Berenstain book The Bike Lesson.

The theme of the book can be summed up as follows: Small Bear, watch everything I, Papa Bear, do ... and do the opposite.

How do I fight distractions? 

Not well!

And just what are my distractions, the Oo, Shiny! objects in my life that grab and hold my attention?

Binge watching episodes on my favourite streaming services. Grabbing coffee with a friend. The responsibilities I've taken on for others.

These distractions may not hold any sway over your life, but I'm certain you face your own shiny objects, at least some of the time.

Self-awareness need not become self-absorption. There are things I had to become aware of about myself before I could begin to fight the distractions.

First, I need to feel connected with people daily, whether that's by getting together with them or listening to podcasts, YouTube videos, or TV shows with familiar characters. 

Overcoming the distraction means learning the value of silence. The more I work in silence, the more I enjoy it.

Second, I believe I can effectively split my attention between the task at hand and listening to a podcast or music with lyrics.

Overcoming the distraction means admitting it just isn't the case. I know single-minded focus is important, but I have to remind myself of this fact REPEATEDLY.

Third, I tell myself I'll magically do better tomorrow.

Overcoming this distraction means facing reality. Stephanie, you're 61. SIXTY-ONE! You still have plenty of time to accomplish what God has planned and purposed for you, but you won't accomplish those things by vegging on the couch.

Your distractions are bound to be different than mine. Therefore, overcoming those distractions will also look different. However, here are five tips that will help all of us:

1. Prioritize your To-Do List and, as much as possible, begin each day with Priority #1 and go from there.

2. Limit the things on your Must Do List each day to increase the chance of success.

3. As much as possible, schedule your top priorities at the time of day when you function best.

4. Allow for flexibility. We all know that unforeseen circumstances crop up.

5. Celebrate victories...even the little ones.

And lastly...

Set time aside to watch that favourite TV show or listen to a favourite podcast.

Those things in our lives that can become distractions aren't necessarily bad. They simply have to be put in their place.

Then, the Oo Shiny! can bring us joy rather than distracting us.

It's All About the Follow-Through by Steph Beth Nickel

Follow-through is important even for those of us who aren't golfers.

Distractions are part of everyday life. But if we want to achieve our writing goals, we must first make a plan and then follow through with that plan.

Of course, there are times when life happens and we must revise our plan. That doesn't mean, however, that we should set aside our goals and dreams indefinitely.

At this stage of my life, I have to seriously consider all the things I'd like to accomplish and prayerfully determine which I'm going to focus on. I can set lofty goals of pursuing a plethora of my eclectic interests, but I know full well I'll only be able to follow through on a relatively small number of them.

I need a plan. And so do you.

What steps can you take to increase the likelihood that you will achieve your goals?

• Determine what your ultimate goals are and then break them down into tasks you can achieve in relatively short increments of time.
• Schedule writing sessions in your planner and treat these sessions like you would any other appointment. (You can make amazing progress in even 15-30 minutes three to five times a week.)
• Set a word count or time goal. When you achieve the goal, you can call it a win. If your situation allows and you're on a roll, you can keep going. (Word of Warning: Resist the temptation to write for countless hours for a day or two if it will leave you drained, reluctant to get back to writing for day, weeks, or longer.)
• Identify what keeps you from achieving your writing goals and determine how you can minimize distractions. (I'm thinking more of social media and those seemingly urgent household chores, not playing with your children, going for a walk with your spouse, or meeting a friend for coffee.)
• Speaking of social media... Some people install programs on their computer that won't allow them to surf the Web for specified periods of time. Others have a different computer for writing on, one they don't use to access the Internet. 
• Do you need music playing in the background? Go for it.
• Silence? Hang a Do Not Disturb sign on the door and shut yourself away in your room for half an hour ... after you've explained to your family how important your writing time is to you.
• Give yourself permission to write a messy first draft. If you take the time to edit as you go, it will be hard to get to the point where the words are flowing.

So, set your goals. Formulate a doable plan. And remember the importance of follow-through.

How Does Minimalism Apply to Writing? by Steph Beth Nickel

 

What is minimalism?

In the November 13, 2019, becoming minimalist blog post, Joshua Becker states, “… minimalism is intentionally living with only the things I really need—those items that support my purpose. I'm removing the distraction of excess possessions, so I can focus more on those things that matter most.”

I’m a long way from being a minimalist, but I can see myself moving in that direction.

Let’s discuss how minimalism applies to writing and writing-related pursuits.

Podcasts

There are SO MANY helpful writing and writing-related podcasts. Among my favourites are Writing at the Red House, The Write Now Podcast, and Creative If Writing.

I could list several others, but I have to limit the number I listen to each week or I could spend several hours a day listening to others talk about writing while doing no actual writing myself.

I must choose only those that will educate and motivate.

Facebook Groups

I’ve often referred to myself as “an extrovert on steroids.” While 2020, and now, 2021, have changed that to an extent, I still need to feel connected to others.

But as is the case with podcasts, I can spend so much time in the FB groups I belong to that I don’t accomplish the tasks at hand.

And because social media should be a two-way street, if I’m going to be a contributing member of the groups I belong to, I have to limit myself.

Courses

<averts eyes and hums>

I am a course (and lifetime access) hoarder.

However, I'll never accomplish all the things that interest me.

SQUIRREL!

I have to narrow my focus and refuse to believe the lie that everything will fall into place if I buy just one more course.

But look at how much you save!

No, Stephanie, back away from the Buy button.

Writing Conferences

If these were the days pre-COVID, I would be limited by my bank account.

Of course, I still am. But when you don’t have to factor in travel, accommodation, and food costs, there are more available funds.

But will attending one more virtual conference really make me that much better of a writer or connect me with that certain someone its crucial that I get to know? Probably not.

Books

Like most writers, my bookshelves—both physical and virtual—are bowing under the weight of unread volumes.

While it’s true that some books become outdated, many include content that is evergreen.

Simply accumulating a vast storehouse of knowledge won’t do us much good unless we take the time to apply what we’re learning.

And unread volumes? Well, they’ll do us even less good.

Projects

Writers often have more ideas than they’ll ever be able to get down on paper.

While several authors, especially indie authors, write in a variety of genres, if they don’t focus on the project at hand, it will never get published.

This is true for all of us.

Am I a writing minimalist?

While I’m not a minimalist of any kind, my Theme of the Year is having an impact on virtually every area of my life. And that theme? Contentment, Not Complacency.

This year, my desire is to be content with what I have ... and make the most of it. This includes courses, books, projects, etc.

It isn't simply a matter of limiting myself but actually putting into practice what I learn from those things that are readily at hand.

How about you?

Are you a writing minimalist? In what ways?