I haven’t been great at blogging, despite joining #Row80 to try and motivate myself. It’s not that I’m unmotivated per se, just that with a 9-month-old super energetic kiddo, and a part-time job, to the surprise of no one, I just feel tired and often I forget.
But I still want to do this. And that’s the thing. In fact, that’s what separates those who do and those who don’t. To keep going. Consistency is the real building of success. Now, in the beginning that consistency may not be so perfect. I always think of working out, I guess because it’s an easy to grasp analogy. You probably won’t get in shape if you don’t work out with some consistency. But you definitely won’t get in shape if you don’t work out at all.
I have weeks where I just have a bad week. And there’s a part of me that tells me: Well, you screwed this up, so you might as well quit altogether. Wrong. There’s more strength in dusting yourself off and trying again and again than trying hard for a few days and quitting completely.
You may be in a season of your life where accomplishing the goals you want to is just tough. Accept that and keep moving forward. I didn’t accomplish all the goals I wanted. I didn’t do NaNoWriMo, at least not the way I intended. But I have been outlining another book. I’m still creating.
There isn’t a time limit on your creativity. You may have put some on there, but keep creating even if you miss it. Now, yes, I acknowledge there are some deadlines you’ve gotta make, like if you’re submitting to a contest or an agent. But don’t waste the energy getting down on yourself for not measuring up the way you think you should. Shrug your shoulders, try to do better, and try again. And again.
I’m not giving up on you blog. And there’s no way I’d ever give up on writing. Let’s try again.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated? Are you more forgiving or more condemning of yourself when you miss your goals? Do you have a post about this topic? Post a link in the comments and I’ll come check it out.
Lit and Scribbles with Jae 
As far as succeeding as a writer is concerned, I think the received wisdom of ‘Don’t Give Up’ is overdone. Most of us are simply not good enough to be successful – that’s an opinion I never see or hear. After eight books I realise I’m not good enough and realising the fact makes me way more relaxed about writing. Still, I’ve learnt plenty and I’m putting it to good use as a freelancer. Still wishing you every success though Jae 🙂