 |
| © Johanna Goodyear | Dreamstime Stock Photos |
No, not the bunny with the battery. It’s getting to be the end of summer and, if you’re anything like me, you’re simultaneously pooped from three months of fun events and feel completely behind going into the Fall. Eeep!
Stress and distractions can make it really difficult to get into a writing groove, and I’ve learned that I tend to be at my crabbiest when I’ve gone too long without writing.
So, what are we to do when we’re feeling frazzled?
I came across this cool concept in one of the articles I read for my MBA, and it applies perfectly to a writer’s life and level of busyness. Basically, it says instead of managing our time, we should focus on managing our energy level because that’s what truly drives us. If we’re doing something we love, the time crunch matters less than if it’s for something where we’re dragging our feet. I think this is true! I’m constantly amazed how re-energized I feel, even amid all kinds of other chaos, if I can just get in even a half hour of good writing time.
Here’s a quick quiz to gauge where you are. My advice? If you’re short in the body or mind category, take a break, catch your breath…the writing world will still be there when you come back. If you’re low on energy or spirit, on the other hand, maybe what you need is a way to clear items off your plate that allow you to focus more on doing what you love.
 |
| From Harvard Business Review |
Wow, according to that I need a complete overhaul! It's a good checklist, even admitting one or two things makes you think "Hmm, actually I think I need to have a quiet word with myself".
ReplyDeleteHere's to a more energetic autumn!
Yeah, I need a overhaul too. For me, I need to be able to slow down sometimes and energize. I just get wiped out from the pace of squeezing it all in.
ReplyDeleteI have to be very careful about that stuff too. Some days I only do more harm to my manuscript if I try to write tired or frazzled. Better to just take a break and read or do research instead.
ReplyDeleteJamie's comment made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteI never skip the exercise. That goes a long way toward feeding my energy level. I also take time to practice my guitar, which calms me.
Wow! Great list and here I thought I was going to get a post about drinking more coffee, like I need any advice on that :) After reading this, I have A LOT of things to change...
ReplyDeleteSo true, when spring hits the energy level rises and when fall begins to creep up the energy level falls. Something to do with the Sun!
ReplyDeleteBut exercise is the only true way to conquer the drag!
Thanks for your lovely comment on Alex's Blog!
I need an overhaul too. If I had some time to myself to manage properly, I'd do it! Actually, my son's first day of school was today. This is the first morning I had to myself in months and I felt incredibly refreshed after it. Autumn will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteJamie - Haha, yes I had one of those quiet conversations too.
ReplyDeleteNatalie - Giving ourselves permission to slow down is usually the hardest part, but boy do we need it sometimes.
L.G. - Reading and research sounds like a great way to refresh!
Alex - Exercise is one of those things I need to add back in more regularly. It's such a fantastic stress reliever!
Jenn - No coffee, but glad you liked the advice. ;)
Yolanda - Ooh, good reminder about the seasons. Summer usually ends up being crazy for me, and winter is kind of a nice break.
Christine - Congrats to you and your son! I bet it did feel refreshing.
I seem to tick many of those boxes... I may need an energy check up too:) Great post.
ReplyDeleteUh, oh! I think I'm in trouble! I definitely need some energy help.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little on the high side, and probably will be until my kids go back to school. :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely have some energy management deficiencies. Being pulled in so many directions is tiring, making it hard to keep focused on work, my writing, and the ability to remain present with loved ones. That's a great checklist--a great calibration tool to help reset.
ReplyDeleteMy energy is good most days and horrible others. I think I over do it sometimes. Love that list! Glad you shared.
ReplyDeleteif i could just sleep more....i think i would be better off! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah!...Sometime we need more energy and motivation due to various factors as you mention in this article.You are right we need to manage our energy level instead of time.Writer's life is always busy so we should always optimize our energy level.
ReplyDeleteThank you I find lots of information over here.
Definitely true. I definitely feel less stressed if I spend time on something I love. Despite the fact that this leaves me with even less time to do stuff I hate than before. BUT, I still get everything done when it's supposed to be.
ReplyDelete