Keep Writing, Even When It’s Hard

Today is one of those days where I have to fight for every word.

We’ve all done it.

And it is HARD.

I retired two weeks ago from my full-time job after 32 years and was excited to have more time to write.

Wrong.

Okay, not wrong, just different.

I am struggling to find my new normal after 32 years of a full-time job, but I need to let go of some things and get my focus back.

Here are some things I did to get back on track.

• I looked at any applications and documents that were open. I had two emails applications, one file explorer, 12 internet windows and 10 Word documents. Whew!
  • I minimized my email and file explorer
  • I looked at each Word document and closed the ones I wasn’t working on
  • I closed any of the internet windows I wasn’t using
• My desk have many piles of paperwork, folders, calendars spiral notebooks, etc. on it.
  • I filed what I could and set the rest of the paperwork on a table behind me so I am not looking at them while writing
  • I turned to a clean page in my spiral notebook
  • I looked at my weekly coaching todo list and made sure I was only doing the items from this week
  • I opened my calendar to make sure I wasn’t missing anything else
• I am sitting too much in my office chair.
  • I don’t let myself eat lunch at my desk
  • I get up and walk around more often
  • Walk on the treadmill at least once per day

I was able to publish a new blog post and send in a personal essay to a magazine so hopefully I am back on track.

Even though I retired, I still have personal obligations. With that said, I have to allow time on my calendar each day for my writing and my personal stuff.

This is my calendar. I use one side for writing and one side for personal.

Remember, there are always going to be other distractions so you have to push through even when it’s hard.