I have SO many projects and drafts of blog posts started. It does serve one good purpose: I get ideas out there so I have something to turn to when I don't know what to write about, especially for my blog or freelance assignments.
But then I have to force myself to finish pieces because resistance is real. First, keeping up on my Substack because I want to build a consistent audience. Second, finishing work I get paid for. Third, work on finishing ONE book at a time.
Well done for working out your priorities. As you say, it is okay to have drafts that don't always go anywhere because they can spark ideas. And sometimes ideas aren't as good as you thought they'd be once you start writing - that happens to me anyway ;)
Your answer reminds of a couple of podcasts I've heard recently with Elizabeth Gilbert. She says that when she asks in her journal what to work on next she gets the answer, "you'll be notified". And she has to wait until that notification arrives from the universe.
Ah yes. Resistance. The closer we get to our destination, the more we keep slip-sliding away. Telling that voice to kindly f*ck off so we can write is brilliant! I also love that by examining what that voice is trying to steer you from allows your deepest call to decide what is the highest interest, desire, curiosity, etc.
Yes, resistance is always there. As you say, looking at what it is trying to steer you away from is often an indication of where to go. Resistance doesn't show up if it's not important to you!
Great advice, as always, especially about the importance of curiosity. I tell my students something similar: write what's top of mind or calling to you in the moment.
I have SO many projects and drafts of blog posts started. It does serve one good purpose: I get ideas out there so I have something to turn to when I don't know what to write about, especially for my blog or freelance assignments.
But then I have to force myself to finish pieces because resistance is real. First, keeping up on my Substack because I want to build a consistent audience. Second, finishing work I get paid for. Third, work on finishing ONE book at a time.
Well done for working out your priorities. As you say, it is okay to have drafts that don't always go anywhere because they can spark ideas. And sometimes ideas aren't as good as you thought they'd be once you start writing - that happens to me anyway ;)
Truth 😊
Good tip for ranking the projects. Thank you!
You're welcome. Keep writing :)
I sometimes ask myself what I should work on next - and an answer often appears.
Your answer reminds of a couple of podcasts I've heard recently with Elizabeth Gilbert. She says that when she asks in her journal what to work on next she gets the answer, "you'll be notified". And she has to wait until that notification arrives from the universe.
Ah yes. Resistance. The closer we get to our destination, the more we keep slip-sliding away. Telling that voice to kindly f*ck off so we can write is brilliant! I also love that by examining what that voice is trying to steer you from allows your deepest call to decide what is the highest interest, desire, curiosity, etc.
Yes, resistance is always there. As you say, looking at what it is trying to steer you away from is often an indication of where to go. Resistance doesn't show up if it's not important to you!
Coo Coo Coo Coo... trying to be a bird in response with love!
Great advice, as always, especially about the importance of curiosity. I tell my students something similar: write what's top of mind or calling to you in the moment.
Curiosity is often overlooked. It's a very easy thing to follow.
Oh I love this! Such excellent advice - 'there's no wrong idea!'
Glad you found it useful.