Sometime during this past spring I derailed. I didn’t meet the most important goal on my list, my stated minimum of writing one hour every day. Final editing my first manuscript was much more time-consuming than I expected. Authors who complete two or even three novel-length stories every year amaze me.
I attached a reward to my write-an-hour-every-day goal. Each week I reached that goal I’d have a fun lunch out. Well, those have been few and far between.
In my desperation I’ve considered the opposite of a carrot (reward) and, instead, thought about the stick. Maybe I should try reverse psychology and punish myself if I don’t meet my daily writing goal. Shall I go to the gym and work out an additional hour, sweating and cursing myself? Would that motivate me? Perhaps my lack of discipline comes from a comfortable life style. Money needs are a sure motivator but I’m not ready to go broke to find out if that works for me.
My husband and I are retired, and I feel a little guilt if I don’t spend a few hours every day with him. After all, he’s the man who worked decades to make sure we’d be secure in our later years. I worked, too, but primarily part-time.
I did reward myself for diligently pursuing my query goal with manuscript #1. My husband and I went to Yosemite this past week. Our last visit was in 1996. You forget the majesty of this awe-inspiring valley until you set eyes upon it. Here is my best photograph, one I want to use on my desktop. This picture will be a daily reminder to focus on my number one task. No email or Yahoo loop checks until I write a minimum of one hour, filling pages with raw words.
I’d like to hear how you reward yourself when you reach a set goal. Does anyone use punishment or delaying a specific want as a motivator?
9 comments:
I do reward myself for meeting a goal. I DVR my favorite programs and I can't watch until my writing is done for the day. Sometimes the programs add up on the DVR but I don't watch until I've done my writing. I must be a kid at heart, because it seems to work.
Hey, I like your scheme, Jill. I watch my DVR-recorded shows during lunch. I think I'll try your plan. Thanks!
Sheila, what a great topic. This summer I spent days and weeks without writing because life interfered. Family comes first, and writing is not my number one goal anymore. When I am determined to write and finish a book, I sit in front of my computer for hours, six to eight at least. I found out that the more I write and the easier the ideas come and the story flows. From time to time I check my emails for a break. But like you I hate to ignore my DH when my muse strikes, so I make an effort to chat with him every couple of hours.
Mona, in the past I've worked six or more hours writing, sometimes until 4:00 a.m. I want to get that excitement back. I think I've been hedging a bit, perhaps it's simply laziness. Tonight I will begin, no excuses. Thanks for stopping by!
When I'm working on a project, I write a minimum of six hours a day, not straight through, but with breaks to chat with hubster, play with kittie, make the bed, do laundry, cook and putz around the house. If I take a couple days off, I don't worry. I can't stand NOT to write, now that I've started, so I know I'll get back on track eventually.
You have a good balance going there, Vonnie. I tend to be nothing or all. Seems like I need to rethink my style!
Good luck to you, Sheila. Don't be too hard on yourself. :)
BTW: Love the pic.
Sheila,
That's easy. I reward myself with chocolate. :)
I think I'm addicted to Hershey Kisses.
Great post and great photo. Yosemite is breathtakingly beautiful. So, is Tahoe. After being in Nevada, seeing Lake Tahoe and Yosemite was like getting a new lease on life. Nevada has its charms but all I could think about was the pioneers crossing that desolate wasteland and then hitting the Sierras. How they must have rejoiced to see something green again though I imagine crossing those mountains was a strain.
I haven't met my goals this year either. It irritates me that I always delay my writing to take care of other things in my life. I need to start putting writing first.
Thanks for reminding me!
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