I've been binge listening to a podcast recommended to me called "UnF*ck Your Brain". With multiple episodes under my belt, I've thoroughly enjoyed a different view point from others I've encountered. And despite the fact that I don't agree with everything the coach is preaching, all of it makes me think.
And I have a feeling that's why an Instagram story posted by Anne Samoilov hit me right in the brain today. I was letting the IG feed play while I did my chores and she talked about asking ourselves "Why am I rescheduling?" Because unless someone is in the hospital, or a kid is missing, or you're being evicted, or some other literal life and death situation is in the process, most of the time, we "reschedule" for reasons we can totally avoid, correct, or alter.
My last project was "rescheduled" because I didn't "have time". Which, looking back, is complete and utter bullshit. And it's time I start calling myself on it.
Deadlines are only as effective for us as we make them. Looking back a couple years ago, I had a new release, edits, and was prepping for a vacation all in the same week. Was my schedule any different then than it is now? Nope. The only difference was me. That I didn't allow any of it to be rescheduled. Would I recommend working at that pace for more than a short term period of time? Fuck no. That week was exhausting. But I did it. And I felt awesome afterward and enjoyed the shit out of my vacation. Sure I spent a few hours the first couple days working, but I had the time of my life knowing all that shit was done when I wrapped it in a pretty bow and sent the book off to my editor.
I found the time. I didn't reschedule.
It's time to take a hard look at my calendar and realize I'm worth writing in non-negotiable time blocks for. Because there are a few common lies I tell myself over and over again. It took me 5 minutes to turn those lies around. Some of my lies might sound suspiciously familiar to you...
LIE: I'm not in a creative headspace. What I write/plot/edit wouldn't be good anyway.
TRUTH: I'm dragging my feet because I'm in a bad mood. True, it's easier to put this off until tomorrow instead of dealing with my own bullshit now, but I know once I get started, I'll find my way.
LIE: I'm too tired.
TRUTH: I'm always tired. The only way to get myself untired is to get moving. Mentally and physically I need to get my ass up and working. All I need to do is turn on some music and talk to myself out loud. The energy will come.
LIE: My kids/spouse/pets/parents interrupted me during my scheduled time. It's all over and I should just give up for the day because I'm out of time.
TRUTH: Reworking my schedule isn't ideal, and makes me feel off kilter, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. My top 3 things need to get accomplished, and the rest can wait. My time is important.
What about you? Where are you penciled in on your calendar? What time is yours? And how are you fighting to make sure there is no rescheduling?
Not to sound too much like L'Oreal commercial, but you're totally worth it.
Just some food for thought on a busy day. I'm off to work on a book plot, and a schedule revamp. What are you going to change today?
~Roxy
And I have a feeling that's why an Instagram story posted by Anne Samoilov hit me right in the brain today. I was letting the IG feed play while I did my chores and she talked about asking ourselves "Why am I rescheduling?" Because unless someone is in the hospital, or a kid is missing, or you're being evicted, or some other literal life and death situation is in the process, most of the time, we "reschedule" for reasons we can totally avoid, correct, or alter.
My last project was "rescheduled" because I didn't "have time". Which, looking back, is complete and utter bullshit. And it's time I start calling myself on it.
Deadlines are only as effective for us as we make them. Looking back a couple years ago, I had a new release, edits, and was prepping for a vacation all in the same week. Was my schedule any different then than it is now? Nope. The only difference was me. That I didn't allow any of it to be rescheduled. Would I recommend working at that pace for more than a short term period of time? Fuck no. That week was exhausting. But I did it. And I felt awesome afterward and enjoyed the shit out of my vacation. Sure I spent a few hours the first couple days working, but I had the time of my life knowing all that shit was done when I wrapped it in a pretty bow and sent the book off to my editor.
I found the time. I didn't reschedule.
It's time to take a hard look at my calendar and realize I'm worth writing in non-negotiable time blocks for. Because there are a few common lies I tell myself over and over again. It took me 5 minutes to turn those lies around. Some of my lies might sound suspiciously familiar to you...
LIE: I'm not in a creative headspace. What I write/plot/edit wouldn't be good anyway.
TRUTH: I'm dragging my feet because I'm in a bad mood. True, it's easier to put this off until tomorrow instead of dealing with my own bullshit now, but I know once I get started, I'll find my way.
LIE: I'm too tired.
TRUTH: I'm always tired. The only way to get myself untired is to get moving. Mentally and physically I need to get my ass up and working. All I need to do is turn on some music and talk to myself out loud. The energy will come.
LIE: My kids/spouse/pets/parents interrupted me during my scheduled time. It's all over and I should just give up for the day because I'm out of time.
TRUTH: Reworking my schedule isn't ideal, and makes me feel off kilter, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. My top 3 things need to get accomplished, and the rest can wait. My time is important.
What about you? Where are you penciled in on your calendar? What time is yours? And how are you fighting to make sure there is no rescheduling?
Not to sound too much like L'Oreal commercial, but you're totally worth it.
Just some food for thought on a busy day. I'm off to work on a book plot, and a schedule revamp. What are you going to change today?
~Roxy
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