Last week we talked about rest and giving yourself a break. Now let’s talk about moving forward.
Let Go of Perfectionism
I like to describe myself as a perfectionist in recovery. That might sound like a cheeky joke but I mean it seriously – the fear of imperfection alone can cause just as much harm as a major mental illness.
In times of chaos, it’s natural to want to dig in and try even harder to control everything around you. It is not possible. You are alive, and life is by definition imperfect. Let go of the things you cannot control (i.e. the world around you, other people), and focus on yourself.
1% Better Each Day
Do you know why most people fail at changing their own lives? They try to make too big of a change all at once. If you know the science of personal growth, you’ll even see that some popular challenges are designed to be unachievable. (I’m looking at you, 75 Hard.) The same thing can happen when we try to jump back into “normal” after a crisis.
Think of yourself like a plant: you may not see much change from one day to the next, but over time one tiny seed can become a giant redwood. The key to growth and restoration is small, incremental change over time.
Write during peak creative hours
The brain works differently from other systems in our body – meaning it performs certain tasks better at certain times of the day. For most people, peak hours for creative pursuits are in the early morning and early evening – just before and just after traditional 9-5 work hours. Experiment to find the time that’s best for both your creativity and your schedule.
ACTION STEPS:
Consider these questions privately, or share your answers in a comment on this post:
What can you do today to make your author business 1% better?
What can you do today to push your WIP forward by 1%?
How can you incorporate writing into your peak creative hours?