Don’t you hate wasting time? You need to get to it and do the work.
But what if forcing yourself to do the work isn’t always the best answer? What if doing so will result in long lasting creative blocks?
On the other hand, procrastination could hold unlimited potential for your sanity, overall well being, and productivity.
Have you ever been ready to throw your work in the air and give up? Who hasn’t? Hey, maybe starting over isn’t such a bad idea.
Yesterday I was talking with a friend over coffee when he told me he doesn’t get it. “What don’t you get?” I asked him. He explained that every time he starts a creative project, writing a book in this case, he comes to a point where he realizes he must start over because it’s just not good enough or doesn’t make any sense.
As he was explaining his face took on an exhausted and frustrated look. I recognized it instantly, because I’ve seen it so many times… in the mirror…
Early in 2013 I decided to do something that scared the living hell out of me. I decided to give away my memoir, One Boy’s Struggle, for free via Story Cartel in exchange for honest reviews.
It was scary, because, I mean, really, who gives away their book for free? How can you put food on the table that way? Baby needs new shoes! Crazy. Just crazy.
Or, maybe not. As it turns out it was the best thing I did for my memoir…
Photo Cred: Dreamstime
This world has become too small and too fast and we all know it, but too few of us actually know what to do about it.
But the answer is right in front of you, between you, your goals and your next awesome, you rock!, accomplishment.
The moments that matter are The In-Between…
Photo Cred: Dreamstime
Most of us are waiting to be picked.
We are waiting for an agent or publisher to call, or we are waiting to be picked to take the next step up the ladder, or we are just waiting for someone to give us that pat on the back and let us know what we are doing is worthwhile and, well, you know, to “keep-at-it.”
Why?
Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline. Then, with supreme confidence, determination and disregard for obstacles and other people’s criticisms carry out your plan. ~Paul Meyer
It’s easy for someone to tell you to be clear about your goals, to make a plan to achieve them and set yourself a deadline. And it’s just as easy to say you must have supreme confidence and a disregard for obstacles and other people’s criticisms.
So then, what factor will actually determine your creative success?
Creative Commons by Nick Wheeleroz
From Bryan: This is a guest post by Nick Thacker. Nick is a blogger, writer, and self-declared “life hacker” who enjoys writing novels, and has recently finished his first novel, The Golden Crystal, available now. He runs LiveHacked, and has a totally free course called How to Write A Novel.
I recently finished editing my first novel, The Golden Crystal. I’m excited — thrilled even — that it’s finally going to be ready for readers.
But let me back up a bit…
Provided by Dreamstime
Most of us have heard the term ‘comfort eating’. I know the phrase all too well. A bad day can still occasionally lead to me devouring a couple bars of chocolate or a few donuts.
Comfort eating makes me feel better about myself for a short period of time. It’s taking the easy route. But it’s not healthy, and it’s not valuing myself or my body.
And strangely enough, it’s the same with writing.
Creative Commons by Amy LYah
I get a lot of inquiries about blogging. Most people ask me to visit their blog and tell them how they can improve it.
Unfortunately, the answer is rarely cut and dry.
But I have noticed some common mistakes that turn off would be readers and also happen to be the secrets top bloggers know…
Creative Commons by ChrisSmith
Am I a writer?
Yes, although incidentally in my view…
Girl with a Pearl Earring, by Johannes Vermeer – Wikimedia Commons