Riding A Bike, Dieting, And Doing The Hard Things.

You Know That Feeling?

You know how when you’re riding a bike and you swear, you’re not going to run into the enormous oak tree that’s along your path because you’re an adult and you know how to ride a bike, but that’s exactly what you end up doing because you’re so focused on NOT doing it?

 Or when you are trying to eat better because you know it’s what you need to do for your health and you’ve sworn off peanut M&M’s and sprite (no, not diet), and suddenly those are the only two foods you crave and can’t get out of your head?

Writing Is Kind Of Like That

Writing can sort of be the same way.

When I am so determined to conquer the next rewrite in record time, or settle on a solid name for my villain, or even just finish editing the next chapter like yesterday, these are the exact tasks that do not get done. At least not in record time.

I have learned to breathe through these times with grace and a smile, and to remind myself that tomorrow will be the day it all comes together.

And if you believe that, let me tell you how I’ve gotten rid of my cravings for those peanut M&Ms and Sprite.

The Day-By-Day Reality

Anyway, what I have learned is that writing is a day-by-day venture.

Sure, there are deadlines, there are things that must happen a certain way and at a certain time. But beating myself up when the words don’t just flow, or when I’m struggling to come up with a synonym for crouching, or when self-doubt tells me to just give up, isn’t going to make it happen any quicker for me.

In fact, it seems to prolong it.

So I Breathe

So, I take a deep breath, remind myself that I’m working at something I absolutely love, I envision the end product, and tell myself as many times as it takes that quitting is not an option.

(This goes for healthy eating, too!)

You Can Do The Hard Things

You CAN do the hard things. You CAN work through the tough days. And just maybe, you’ll come out through the other side simply amazed at what you can do.

Be proud of that.

Celebrate it.

And look forward to doing it all again tomorrow.