This is not a new idea but I think we often forget it: Think of a few people whose work and/or life resembles that which you’d want for yourself — and then copy them.

For instance, I want to channel most of my work energy into being a novelist. I’ve published 6 non-fiction books, yet I’ve been slowly writing my first novel for the better part of a decade. I’d like to finally finish the first-draft manuscript by this fall.

When I think of my favorite living novelists — there are three in particular I’m thinking of — they have these three things in common:

1. They’re not on social media.

2. They publish only once every couple of years.

3. They have full lives outside of writing books.

It would be wise of me to take stock in these commonalities and consider how to make them realities in my own life. It doesn’t mean I need to do exactly what they do, but I’d be foolish not to notice at least a correlation here.

If you haven’t yet, consider doing the same — think of a few people whose work or lifestyle you admire. What do they have in common? Be specific and practical. Maybe make a list.

And then ask yourself: Should I follow suit? Or should I at least acknowledge the trend, then adopt some form of that? I think there’s wisdom here. 🤔

(I’m making plans in my own work and life regarding this — specifically with finishing my novel. I’ll share more details later this spring, if you’re curious.)