Unfortunately, while I know that advice is sound, I find it hard to actually do. I'm great at chastising myself, of obsessing about the things I haven't done. And it's all a waste of time and energy.
So this week, I know I probably won't get through the 10K I want to write, let alone make up the extra 2K I didn't write last week. I need to be okay with that and just get through what I can get through. The world is not going to end if I don't finish this first draft by July 27th. That was a goal, a target to get me started and keep me moving. It's not the be all and end all.
Sometimes it's hard to admit to failure, even when what you've failed at is just a self-imposed deadline. But if you do fail, it's important not to let it bother you so much you can't move on.
Why can't I listen to my own advice? Do your internal monologues sound as neurotic and psycho as mine?
:-(
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling. I think it's a miserable version of procrastination. Realizing how little you've gotten done and then being paralyzed by that so you still can't get it done.
Don't know if it helps or not, but the key to moving targets/deadlines is to recognize they were unrealistic before you get there (which you have), recognize why, and reset the date.
And no, I've never been able to take that advice personally, but I'm told it's an effective way to work ;-) Good luck to you, and I hope you find more time next week ^_^
I'm the exact same. I think I'm Wonder Woman, and am always disappointed with myself when I prove that I am a fallible human being. I'm what's known as a neurotic perfectionist. I always judge myself far more harshly than anyone else.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, absolutely. Soemtimse though, you do have to step back and realize it's not completely in our control.
ReplyDeleteA while back I decided I was going to finish a WIP by writing 2k a day. The next day I hit a big fat writer's block. It made me realize it was okay not to always meet my goals.
Good luck with your writing. I'm sure the writing you are doing is wonderful, even if it's not the exact amount you'd like :)
Hah, I think I've fallen short of my writing goals so many times that I've almost come to expect it. In all honesty, things fluctuate. Some parts are really hard to get through and, even though there aren't as many words, completing them is a huge triumph. Progress is progress. As long as you're moving forward, you're doing great!
ReplyDeleteI don't do writing goals. Until I have an editor with a deadline, I impose NONE on my writing. My writing is my freedom and my fun and MUST stay that way.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you're still writing, you're not stumped, or blocked or whatever, and you might put yourself in that position if you don't just relax...