New

[vaneramos]

I met Sarah at The Cornerstone and updated her on my progress this week. I had a few observations from a week of practising the 6 Changes Method:

1. When enthusiasm strikes, I habitually try to change too many things (I think this happens because I'm trying to make my life perfect all at once—whatever that means!) and end up running out of energy and focus a few weeks down the road, then I backslide. This time I am trying to concentrate on establishing the planned changes, and using thoughtful discrimination about other whims that comes to mind, saying no to all but the ones that seem most worthwhile. I hope to keep it simple, adopt one change at a time, and see whether the outcome is more sustainable. It's important to maintain certain non-productive but relaxing activities.
2. I kept my alarm set for the same time over the weekend and got up around 7:05 both days. By Saturday and Sunday evenings I was exhausted and went to bed early. My sleep was unsettled. It feels like layers of energy are rearranging themselves.
3. As mentioned yesterday, my writing yesterday morning was stuck in a familiar, tiresome holding pattern. It will be a challenge to break out of that, but for now I will just concentrate on establishing the 200-word habit and avoid criticizing the results.

I've already talked to Danny about keeping the clock radio set so I can continue to get up early this weekend while he is here. To avoid disturbing him, I will get up immediately and turn the radio off. (Very much looking forward to seeing him tonight.)

I was successful with the routine again this morning (day 2), and the results were more satisfying. I got up and made breakfast and tea at once, arriving at my desk by 6:30. So I dug into the routine earlier, with less anxiety about time. I was also able to break away from old writing habits and explore an entirely fresh idea for the novel. I won't say whether it was good or bad; it's just new, and that's what matters.