Habit 1 debriefing

[vaneramos]

It's nearly the end of February, time to start shifting gears in The Six Changes Method. First, I'll give an update on the first habit I chose to establish: "Focus daily on creative writing". Over the past two months I tried to put several aspects into effect:

1. Writing first thing every morning on 100 Words: perfect score—I've done it every day since Jan. 1. Two days (on weekends) I put it off until later in the day. I'd consider this a successful new habit. Each month I've focused on a specific topic. It feels productive and focused.
2. Then write at least 200 words on my novel: very good. I've skipped doing it only two or three times since Jan. 14. Most days I don't actually write any narrative, but whatever comes to mind when I think about the novel: character sketches, ideas, possible plot threads, problems I need to solve. Sometimes if I'm especially grumpy or unfocused, I just use the opportunity to journal about my state of mind. This isn't exactly the habit I had planned, but I believe it is what I need. It helps me stay focused from day to day. It seems to be making me happier. It helps me create the right mental climate so that other free time can be devoted to actually writing the novel.
3. Designate Thursday nights as a writing night: hasn't worked so well. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night I am busy with the queer library, writers' circle, and the chorus rehearsal. By the time I get home from work on Thursday, I need to catch up on correspondence and allow myself some unstructured time to relax. I will continue to meet my writing partner on Thursday evenings. I might try designating Monday as a work night instead, and if that doesn't work I'll just try to use whatever free time I can. After my commitment to the chorus ends in May, I know from past experience I will find a lot more time for other creative pursuits.
4. Have a retreat weekend for concentrated writing once every six to eight weeks: it hasn't happened yet. With family, friends and community commitments, I have my doubts about being able to do this on any regular basis. It might be more practical to dedicate three or four hours of work every weekend.

Although some aspects haven't worked out too well, overall I've made a strong shift toward more productivity and creativity. Simple, daily habits worked much better than bigger, occasional ones. Aside from habitual activities, I am spontaneously using more of my free time to work on the novel, because the habits keep me focused. Overall I'm moving toward my goal, and learning useful things about myself in the process.

Comments

[apel.livejournal.com]

Great to see that it's working for you!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, the moral support from LJ has been essential!

[bellakara.livejournal.com]

Yes, it definitely looks like it's working. I was also very interested to read something the other week in which you mentioned to someone else what your novel was about. It does sound like an important subject that deserves attention and I haven't seen any novels on the topic.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I do believe the story needs to be told. This is a strong motivator.