For me, writing about a subject is often just another way of thinking about it.
Julia Cameron often says, “Writing things rights things.” It’s true. My last post — lamenting my lack of progress these past few weeks — actually helped me turn a corner. For some reason, writing down the issues helped me see the situation differently.
1) When did I become such a creature of habit? After reading this over again, I see the statement for what it is: Resistance, pure and simple. Routine disrupted? Oh, well. That’s life.
There’s nothing magic about clocks or calendars; the magic’s in me. It’s up to me, then, to plop myself down and show up at the page whenever I can. (And, fact is, there’s more time for writing, even in my current circumstances, than I like to admit.)
2) How can I stop being derailed by Resistance? Hmmm … maybe by putting an end to the “why-ning” and getting down to work?
It’s true: here, at any minute, I can be interrupted or derailed. But isn’t that always true? Phones ring. People stop by. Plans gets disrupted. Priorities shift. Instead of waiting for the perfect, uninterrupted stretch of “novel writing time,” I should adapt and make better use of the time I do have.
3) Is it ever appropriate just to give up? Nope. You do what you can do, and you keep going.
There are times when it’s probably healthy to say, “Okay, for the rest of the evening, I’m not going to think about writing.” But I don’t think I’ll spend evenings obsessing on what I should have done if I’ve spent the day making my best effort.
4) What’s up with this staring off into space thing? That’s just another form of resistance — another trick Resistance uses to stop dreams from coming true.
It occurs to me that some people spend their entire lives literally or figuratively staring off into space. I don’t want to be one of those people. Thinking “I’m too tired to write” is just another way of avoiding writing. When it happens, I should just commit to a very small number of words … and get to work.
So: what can you take away from this?
Something along these lines: Resistance is a clever, tricky, persistent force, and She has many guises. When you fall off the productivity wagon — even if it runs you smack over — it’s always in your best interest to get up and get back on the wagon just as soon as you can.
Sounds like you are combining The Work with GTD. It’s good (I think) that you are questioning underlying assumptions. Things are different right now. What is your job right now? Caretaking, support for Clyde, and for heaven’s sake taking care of yourself! GTD is great but prioritize correctly. When people with “day jobs” find themselves the same position you are in, they often TAKE TIME OFF WORK. Oh, did I say that in all caps? Lots of love, B.
PS I know, I know: Clyde is still working. Everyone is different. Sometimes work helps some people get through tough times. Clyde will do what he needs to do. You will do what you need to do.