Write Things: On getting back on the horse

Hello writers,

While January can motivate some of us to dive into new projects, routines, or habits, it can have the opposite effect on others.

As the month comes to an end, I want to offer something for those of you who aren’t happy with where your writing or routine stands.

Idea: On Procrastination

I'm sorry to jump to a dreaded "P" word - but it's got to be said. 

If you're not writing the stories you want to write, as much as you want to write them, then you're procrastinating. Or worse, you're paralyzed. 

I'm not rubbing your nose in it, but the first step to getting it out of this space is to be aware of it and accept of it. 

This is not an invitation to judge or criticize yourself for being in this space. In fact, it's that inner critic that got you here in the first place. 

So, now that we've called a spade a spade, what do we do? 

I'd first suggest checking in on the story you're telling yourself about your future. 

Do you know what you want? Have you identified what you're aiming for? What you want from your writing?

Okay, good. Now it's time for the second dose of honesty - do you believe it's possible? 

If not, get into your self-care routine. Go for a walk, meditate, do some yoga, listen to music, or use whatever tools you have at your disposal to create a shift so that you can make a new choice about what you want to believe is true about your future. 

Get in alignment with it. 

Then ask yourself what you can do today to move yourself towards that goal. 

Then do it. No matter how small, short, or seemingly insiginifcant that step may seem. It's a step towards what you want. 

It's an act of faith in your story and yourself. 

Repeat tomorrow. 

Invitation: “A perfect day”

Set a timer for four minutes and write continuously on the prompt above. This week, lean into the images, feelings, or ideas that feel important. Afterward, decide whether to revise, continue, or leave it as is.

Forward someone this email and ask them to do it too! Then share what you’ve written. Sharing imperfect work is a powerful antidote to the poison that is our inner critics.

Invitation: To Use Limits

When sitting down to write feels overwhelming or we’re stuck in our story, there are little tricks we can use to bypass that inner critic so that we can get back to the work we want to be doing. 

Two of the easiest ways to do this are by setting arbitrary limits on our writing.

One method is to set a limit on the amount of time you'll write for. Sit down and don't leave that keyboard until the time is up. You can treat this like a quick-write and tell yourself that you must keep your fingers moving for the entire time or you can just let yourself stare at the screen. 

Another method is to set an arbitrary word count and stay in your seat until it’s reached - regardless of the quality of the writing. 

In both cases, this is not so much about what you write, but that you commit your time and actions to your dream.

The story will come in time. All you can control is whether or not you decide to show up for yourself - and your story. 

Remember, if you feel called to write, then someone in the world needs your story. Get to it. 

Happy writing,

Trevor Martens

Founder, I Help You Write Things