Earlier this month, I set a goal of 40,000 words that I wanted to complete in one month. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have had a problem with it. I always enjoy November’s NaNoWriMo.
However, life intervened. So far I’ve only done around 15,000 words (even though the month is NOT over yet!) As certain parts of my personal life have settled, I’ve been able to dive back into the writing marathons whenever I have a spare moment (and my husband is otherwise busy.)
Recently, I’ve also been riding my bike home from work (a ten mile commute) and learned a few things from that as well.
Whether with writing or bicycling, you will reach a point where your energy lags, distractions arise, your muscles (or fingers) cry out in pain. You’ll want to stop. You’ll want to put it off for later. You’ll assure yourself you’ll do more tomorrow.
But we need to treat our writing like I have to treat my commute. Once I start the ten-mile journey, there’s no stopping. Otherwise, I’m stuck on the side of the road in limbo. I have to go the distance. Once I’m home, I can pass out, shower or collapse on the couch until I recover. But I must reach that final goal, no matter how much it hurts.
I need to apply the same strategy to my writing—set my goal, hold to it and push through to the end. No excuses, no wavering.
Just blood, sweat and tears.
What are your writing goals (daily, weekly, monthly)? How do you push through and keep going?
Recent Comments