There are the places you go because there's so much to do there, and then there are the places you go because there's nothing to do there. I find I need both.
Helpful.. so true, “you won’t get it all done.” When I can’t get started on a project I have to do, I give my self 30 minutes to do something I really want to do.. like read a juicy novel…and then I feel calm and ready to start on the “work.”
I enjoy your notes. Welcome back. So the to-do list. I read good advice apparently given over 100 years ago to Charles Schwab by an efficiency expert. It's a great story. Have you heard about the $25,000 idea? James Clear wrote about it too: "The Ivy Lee Method." I'm new to notes so I don't know if leaving a link is polite or not. The 4-part list you made is excellent. I get in the zone and forget to do all of these and then suddenly remember when (like a sim) every single bar is red. ^^
I'm so glad I read this today as I got up, did some yoga and went for a walk before I had to get ready for my Day job and as I was out for a walk I couldn't help but feel guilty that I didn't make time to write on my WIP. I haven't written since Saturday and i feel so guilty but I also don't want to sit in front of my laptop before a 7 hour day at work on my laptop. So I needed to read this today to make me realise that sometimes it just takes getting back on the horse little by little
Hi Kate! I just listened to an episode of the London Writers' Salon where they interview Dr Gloria Mark about her book called Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Creativity. She has lots to say about giving yourself time to replenish your brain and making sure you don't give yourself a hard time. It was really interesting, you should take a listen if you have time :)
YES to all this! "Touch the important things every day" is my new motto. I literally just set up a separate desk, in front of my window just to the side of my regular desk. This will be my writing desk, with only a dedicated writing device (thinking of trying the freewrite). I'm going to print out "Touch the important things every day" on a note and put that in a frame on my desk. Thanks for sharing all your work!
I often say "screwed for screwed, may as well do the things I want to do" - not in a pessimistic way (even though it may seem like it) but because of exactly what you say on this post. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't have more than 3 big things on your to do list every day - which may be wise but is also absurd at least for me as I work 50%, live on a farm, write, am a wedding celebrant on the side, and have a 2 year old. But I appreciate the sentiment, and try to do my best everyday while giving myself space to sometimes just go bask in the sun or play with puppies or watch mind-numbing shows. 🙃
Thank you for sharing! I share your mentality regarding the value of even a few minutes of writing time in a day and also the importance of embracing that it’s okay to take breaks when you feel the need. I’m glad you had a great trip and thank you for sharing!
Welcome back! Thanks for sharing what works for you.
I find that time away from my memoir project is actually a positive and required. I get overwhelmed when I am traveling for work and think I have to work on it. Less is more sometimes when it is quality time for me.
I do feel anxiety not working on it for a few days, but I use that feeling to get back to it when I have that quality space and time.
My book club was reading Four Thousand Weeks, and I was loving it. While reading, by happenstance, I noticed that the author on Twitter was following and interacting with all the professional transphobes and repeating and helping to workshop their vile comments. Last I saw, he had all his tweets set to auto-delete, so I believe he's aware he's making bad tweets. Right now, he's got no tweets older than February, but he's tweeted-and-deleted an awful lot before that. For those who read books without worrying about the author's public behavior, the book is fine.
Love this. Touching the big project even briefly is key, if we are ever to dive back in without a struggle. And I will definitely check out Four Thousand Weeks.
There are the places you go because there's so much to do there, and then there are the places you go because there's nothing to do there. I find I need both.
Helpful.. so true, “you won’t get it all done.” When I can’t get started on a project I have to do, I give my self 30 minutes to do something I really want to do.. like read a juicy novel…and then I feel calm and ready to start on the “work.”
I made up a saying for seasons like this, "10 minutes is as good as an hour." It helps me remember that doing just a bit really does matter!
I enjoy your notes. Welcome back. So the to-do list. I read good advice apparently given over 100 years ago to Charles Schwab by an efficiency expert. It's a great story. Have you heard about the $25,000 idea? James Clear wrote about it too: "The Ivy Lee Method." I'm new to notes so I don't know if leaving a link is polite or not. The 4-part list you made is excellent. I get in the zone and forget to do all of these and then suddenly remember when (like a sim) every single bar is red. ^^
I'm so glad I read this today as I got up, did some yoga and went for a walk before I had to get ready for my Day job and as I was out for a walk I couldn't help but feel guilty that I didn't make time to write on my WIP. I haven't written since Saturday and i feel so guilty but I also don't want to sit in front of my laptop before a 7 hour day at work on my laptop. So I needed to read this today to make me realise that sometimes it just takes getting back on the horse little by little
We all do the best we can. Eating and being realistic about time are 👌👌
Hi Kate! I just listened to an episode of the London Writers' Salon where they interview Dr Gloria Mark about her book called Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Creativity. She has lots to say about giving yourself time to replenish your brain and making sure you don't give yourself a hard time. It was really interesting, you should take a listen if you have time :)
wonderful! That sounds totally up my alley. Thanks!
I am also loving 4000 weeks! What a gift!
YES to all this! "Touch the important things every day" is my new motto. I literally just set up a separate desk, in front of my window just to the side of my regular desk. This will be my writing desk, with only a dedicated writing device (thinking of trying the freewrite). I'm going to print out "Touch the important things every day" on a note and put that in a frame on my desk. Thanks for sharing all your work!
🔥🔥
I often say "screwed for screwed, may as well do the things I want to do" - not in a pessimistic way (even though it may seem like it) but because of exactly what you say on this post. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't have more than 3 big things on your to do list every day - which may be wise but is also absurd at least for me as I work 50%, live on a farm, write, am a wedding celebrant on the side, and have a 2 year old. But I appreciate the sentiment, and try to do my best everyday while giving myself space to sometimes just go bask in the sun or play with puppies or watch mind-numbing shows. 🙃
Thank you for sharing! I share your mentality regarding the value of even a few minutes of writing time in a day and also the importance of embracing that it’s okay to take breaks when you feel the need. I’m glad you had a great trip and thank you for sharing!
👌
I related to this! Thank you so much.
Welcome back! Thanks for sharing what works for you.
I find that time away from my memoir project is actually a positive and required. I get overwhelmed when I am traveling for work and think I have to work on it. Less is more sometimes when it is quality time for me.
I do feel anxiety not working on it for a few days, but I use that feeling to get back to it when I have that quality space and time.
👍👍
My book club was reading Four Thousand Weeks, and I was loving it. While reading, by happenstance, I noticed that the author on Twitter was following and interacting with all the professional transphobes and repeating and helping to workshop their vile comments. Last I saw, he had all his tweets set to auto-delete, so I believe he's aware he's making bad tweets. Right now, he's got no tweets older than February, but he's tweeted-and-deleted an awful lot before that. For those who read books without worrying about the author's public behavior, the book is fine.
oh thank you so much for this
Desperately needed this today after coming back from a nonstop trip! Thank you.
Love this. Touching the big project even briefly is key, if we are ever to dive back in without a struggle. And I will definitely check out Four Thousand Weeks.