Now you may be thinking, “I get my coffee from Starbucks, duh!” And although that is an applicable answer, I’m more alluding to your motivations for writing and achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself.
I used to get most of my writing done in the Winter because 1) I’m inside more due to the snow and 2) New Year’s resolutions reinvigorate my desire to follow my dreams. But ever since I started The Storyletter, I’ve maintained a consistent schedule with self-imposed deadlines and a steady stream of dopamine from talking to you all.
What helps you stay on track? Or what is your favorite caffeinated beverage, if you’d rather discuss that? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! ~ WM
I used to work on my podcast script on a weekly basis but I've gotten into scheduling in advance. Now I try to set a rather realistic due date for my main projects, but yes, running into the problem of getting too comfortable is something that needs to be worked around. That's where I have started setting sooner due dates for the smaller things that need to be done within the larger project's scope.
For me, I have my ups and downs. Periods of inspiration then blocks, but the feeling of unproductivity is something that pushes me to at least work on one thing each day.
I cannot go one day without working on something or else I start severely beating myself up over it. There are times where I feel the need to take a break for a day but if I do so, I have a knack for becoming lazy and when I am I end up distracting myself from too many things.
Therefore, I've found that have several projects to chip away at is a good thing for me, even though having too many makes it hard to finish. But due dates are very important I've found, to light a fire under myself so to speak.
Hmm, good question! I know I should write something profound about artistic inspiration or whatever, haha, but that's honestly not the main reason I started writing or what keeps me disciplined to stick with it. The real answer is TMI, but I was diagnosed with epilepsy over a decade ago, and side effects of the medication I take include frustrating things like memory and speech/language problems. I often have to hunt for words and struggle to express my thoughts. So, I decided to "exercise" and challenge my language skills with writing the way one might do physical therapy for an old injury. Writing is like the gym for my feeble brain :-P "Use it or lose it" is my fuel...
I love this question. I’m watching my parents get older. I know they had big dreams when they were young but all have fallen by the wayside. I guess it’s the “if not now, then when?” Keeps me up at night. Keeps me pursuing my writing.
I’m also balancing my day job and family. So I’ve committed to 300 words a day, and that simple commitment usually leads to more writing. When it’s hard, I sit and start. The words come, though not always easily. But the more I practice the better it gets.
I actually switched off coffee completely for the summer. Shocking for a Seattle girl, but I needed the break. I drink the Republic of Tea Hicaf tea, Caramel Black flavor now and it’s enough to keep me going on the more relaxed summer schedule I have. Probably going to switch to my usual Nespresso Starbucks blends for school mornings, but we’ll see.
I’m an artist so it’s a bit different, but staying on track creatively can be just as tricky. I make a point lately, usually after lunch, to go and at least sit in my studio space. I work on a bunch of different projects in a variety of mediums so I can usually make progress with something once I’m there. Being gentle with myself is crucial and often my biggest challenge because of course I want to finish up an epic piece that sitting, but sometimes simply getting out of bed and handling my ‘day job’ as mom can be pushing my limits so I’m learning to be ok with any progress even if it’s just deciding a dress is to be red or blue and not getting to the actual coloring.
Storyletter Thoughts: What is your fuel and where do you find it?
I used to work on my podcast script on a weekly basis but I've gotten into scheduling in advance. Now I try to set a rather realistic due date for my main projects, but yes, running into the problem of getting too comfortable is something that needs to be worked around. That's where I have started setting sooner due dates for the smaller things that need to be done within the larger project's scope.
For me, I have my ups and downs. Periods of inspiration then blocks, but the feeling of unproductivity is something that pushes me to at least work on one thing each day.
I cannot go one day without working on something or else I start severely beating myself up over it. There are times where I feel the need to take a break for a day but if I do so, I have a knack for becoming lazy and when I am I end up distracting myself from too many things.
Therefore, I've found that have several projects to chip away at is a good thing for me, even though having too many makes it hard to finish. But due dates are very important I've found, to light a fire under myself so to speak.
Hmm, good question! I know I should write something profound about artistic inspiration or whatever, haha, but that's honestly not the main reason I started writing or what keeps me disciplined to stick with it. The real answer is TMI, but I was diagnosed with epilepsy over a decade ago, and side effects of the medication I take include frustrating things like memory and speech/language problems. I often have to hunt for words and struggle to express my thoughts. So, I decided to "exercise" and challenge my language skills with writing the way one might do physical therapy for an old injury. Writing is like the gym for my feeble brain :-P "Use it or lose it" is my fuel...
I love this question. I’m watching my parents get older. I know they had big dreams when they were young but all have fallen by the wayside. I guess it’s the “if not now, then when?” Keeps me up at night. Keeps me pursuing my writing.
I’m also balancing my day job and family. So I’ve committed to 300 words a day, and that simple commitment usually leads to more writing. When it’s hard, I sit and start. The words come, though not always easily. But the more I practice the better it gets.
I actually switched off coffee completely for the summer. Shocking for a Seattle girl, but I needed the break. I drink the Republic of Tea Hicaf tea, Caramel Black flavor now and it’s enough to keep me going on the more relaxed summer schedule I have. Probably going to switch to my usual Nespresso Starbucks blends for school mornings, but we’ll see.
I’m an artist so it’s a bit different, but staying on track creatively can be just as tricky. I make a point lately, usually after lunch, to go and at least sit in my studio space. I work on a bunch of different projects in a variety of mediums so I can usually make progress with something once I’m there. Being gentle with myself is crucial and often my biggest challenge because of course I want to finish up an epic piece that sitting, but sometimes simply getting out of bed and handling my ‘day job’ as mom can be pushing my limits so I’m learning to be ok with any progress even if it’s just deciding a dress is to be red or blue and not getting to the actual coloring.
I have unwavering tenacity which is a huge help w writing....
It’s an interesting question isn’t it? The truth is I don’t know. It’s some kind of intrinsic motivation to do it that keeps propelling me forward.