Last week I did something that I haven't done in a long time. I didn't blog at all. Not once. I didn't even look at other people's blogs because I didn't want to comment and then have them go to my blog only to see I hadn't written anything new.
I could go into a big, lengthy explanation of why I did this, but that would probably just be really awkward for everyone. I think at some point I probably should write about depression, but when I'm in a better state of mind so it's not completely personal. Another problem I had last week was that my motivation was at 0%. I didn't want to work on anything.
I also don't really want to whine about why I haven't been working on my novel. I do want to tell you about some of the changes I've come up with, but I think I'll save that for another day. Today I want to talk about motivation.
I just haven't had it. Like, at all. I feel like I haven't gotten anything done since I quit my job. I was supposed to get a lot of things done, figure things out. And it just hasn't happened. I think part of the problem is that I have a hard time motivating myself. I try to schedule myself, or make a daily to do list, and I never stick to it. I just haven't found a system that works for me.
I'm trying to change a few things. I want to actually write again. I feel like I haven't written anything new in a long time. I need to finish editing my novel, although I think there's even more to do than I originally anticipated. I want to exercise more and change the way I eat. I really need to not watch so much TV.
Here's one thing I have done: I put my cat on a diet! He's gone his whole life having 24/7 food access, and now I'm feeding him two times a day. It's going pretty well so far, but last night was the first time his food ran out before bed so he kept jumping up on the bed and bothering us all night. We'll see how it goes. I kept saying he was looking less like a cat and more like a sausage with fur, so I knew I had to do something.
Anyway, I'm drifting into rambling territory, so I should probably stop and actually get going with my day. I promise I will actually blog this week!
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I'm glad you had the good sense to take a break. Sometimes it's hard to know when you need one, and it sounds like you did.
ReplyDeleteAs to the sausage with fur, I know a couple of those. Diet is the only answer. Good for you on that score as well.
It's okay to take a break sometimes; we all need one every now and then. One way to motivate yourself is to make writing part of your routine. For example, I used to hate going to the gym, and days (or weeks) would go by and I never went once. Once I made a habit of going at least four or five times a week, I got used to it and even looked forward to going.
ReplyDeleteI fully understand what you mean about needing a break, I haven't been around much either this last week. I'll probably post again later this week so don't stress about returning my visit! Hope your motivation returns and good luck with the cat's diet!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely all right to take a break some times.
ReplyDeleteAnd I, too, need to eat healthier and exercise more. I know it's a big part of the reason why I haven't been feeling particularly...great of late.
I am soooo behind in posts as well. Today I am going to try hard to get back on track. I hope you get back to writing soon, I'd love to hear what new stuff you're working on.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I'm sending you some love over the interwebs xx
Sometimes a good break is necessary to renew your energy. So, you did it. Hope you're feeling much better now. Thanks.
ReplyDelete*hugs* When you change from a scheduled job to a job you have to schedule yourself, it's SO hard. And it can lead to feeling either panicked or just a little down because you don't know where to start. But I hope taking a break helped and that you are feeling better again now!
ReplyDeleteI get into unmotivated ruts at times myself. Recharging the creative batteries--often with lots of nature time and movies--helps a lot. My critique group helps most of all. The months that I don't bring work, I get recharged just talking shop with these friends. And having the built in deadline to send chapters to eager readers keeps me producing when I *really* don't feel like it. Having some outside accountability can be a real game changer.
ReplyDeleteOften the very hardest thing is to write one sentence when you haven't in a while, like a heavy truck stopped on a hill has to really strain to start up again. But once that first sentence is written, the next one and the one after gradually come more easily.
First, I think we all go through times when we really just don't feel motivated to write or edit. Editing, in particular, is a toughie for me. I know some people love it... and goodie for them. Maybe you could start small. Short stories. Or flash fiction. Or just a scene that might or might not be used in a novel. Just to write something.
ReplyDeleteSecond, we are sliding into fall/winter. Many people tend to get depressed. Part of the reason for that is the lack of Vitamin D. I suggest you start taking some if you aren't. It often helps boost folks out of depression.
Sometimes we just need breaks. Letting our minds and bodies relax is the best thing we can do for our sanity, healthy and even our writing. I'm glad you didn't do much as blog last week. I hope you're feeling better. :)
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