So I've been struggling with this a lot since my vacation. I've been kinda getting back in the grove and I'm trying to plan better. The last few days I've been able to hit the goals I set. I'm hoping this means a turn around for me
Time and motivation. It was almost like after vacation I just didn't have the motivation to want to try but I'm slowly getting back into it hell I just spent 20 minutes writing on my lunch break in my back room so there was that
Replanning is very important. We never know if something is going to work until we try it. But it doesn't stop there, we must review, assess, iterate. Well said.
I’m actually in the process of changing careers and starting a writing career basically from scratch; it’s always been my long-term goal but that desire never translated into consistent, publishable output. So now I’m here trying to learn everything I can about solopreneurship (literally encountered that word for the first time today) and navigating an internet ecosystem that looks very different from what it was in my university days nearly 15 years ago. Your comment made me think of the quote that you can’t edit a blank page… maybe I don’t have to build a system from the ground up, I just have to take a hard look at the system I already have, and adjust it until it works
Writing is so "portable" and adaptable that you'll surely find your system.
Beware of one thing: sometimes analyzing the existing situation causes long delays. We wrack our brains trying to fit new tasks into old systems that leave no space.
You say you are starting from zero. This article can help
Yes! I’ve gone through and read a dozen of your articles, your perspective is exactly what I needed to give me some direction. All my efforts so far have been on getting a draft of a book written, but I realize now that that isn’t the place to start. You’ve given me some actionable ideas to work towards as I navigate this strange new world. Thank you 🙏🏼
This is one of the classic topics that is always underestimated when writing or working on something. Fortunately we are always at the mercy of personal experiences and finding a balance between creating, working and social aspects is fundamental not only for the person's well-being, but also because this also leads to being aware of external inspiration and of the importance of cultivating relationships over time. Thank you for remembering this and offering practical advice.
So I've been struggling with this a lot since my vacation. I've been kinda getting back in the grove and I'm trying to plan better. The last few days I've been able to hit the goals I set. I'm hoping this means a turn around for me
This sounds like a promising start.
What's your first issue? Finding time to write?
Time and motivation. It was almost like after vacation I just didn't have the motivation to want to try but I'm slowly getting back into it hell I just spent 20 minutes writing on my lunch break in my back room so there was that
Do you feel you lack purpose or is there some obstacle like fatigue or fear of judgment?
Replanning is very important. We never know if something is going to work until we try it. But it doesn't stop there, we must review, assess, iterate. Well said.
Time-blocking is the secret, always.
But I know so many people like you describe in this post, they want their day to be 'fluid'...the mere mention of the word system makes them cringe.
But they do have a system, just one that doesn't produce what they want.
Loved this line: "Don’t discard the mere idea of having some structure, give it a try."
To stop procrastinating they should just try something different. Just for a little while, and then compare.
The great thing about systems is that you can adjust them any time, you should actually. There's the fluidity.
I am definitely in the system camp, I follow the Sunday Planning System and Insane Productivity practice from Darren Hardy.
I don’t know Darren Hardy. There’s always some new productivity expert you missed.
“They do have a system, just one that doesn’t produce what they want” - that comment just stopped me in my tracks. What a great perspective shift
We all have systems, some just don’t realize it.
Hope it helps Carolyn.
Are you thinking of doing something differently?
Or to mention this to someone?
I’m actually in the process of changing careers and starting a writing career basically from scratch; it’s always been my long-term goal but that desire never translated into consistent, publishable output. So now I’m here trying to learn everything I can about solopreneurship (literally encountered that word for the first time today) and navigating an internet ecosystem that looks very different from what it was in my university days nearly 15 years ago. Your comment made me think of the quote that you can’t edit a blank page… maybe I don’t have to build a system from the ground up, I just have to take a hard look at the system I already have, and adjust it until it works
Congratulations on the initiative!
Writing is so "portable" and adaptable that you'll surely find your system.
Beware of one thing: sometimes analyzing the existing situation causes long delays. We wrack our brains trying to fit new tasks into old systems that leave no space.
You say you are starting from zero. This article can help
https://theunstoppablecreator.substack.com/p/building-an-audience-from-scratch
Basically, for now you just have to block some time every day to write and publish.
Yes! I’ve gone through and read a dozen of your articles, your perspective is exactly what I needed to give me some direction. All my efforts so far have been on getting a draft of a book written, but I realize now that that isn’t the place to start. You’ve given me some actionable ideas to work towards as I navigate this strange new world. Thank you 🙏🏼
Yes, a book is daunting. If your heart is there, though, you may creare more resistance by trying to find something else to write about.
There may be a way to work on your book, but publishing something related to it every week or more often.
Is it fiction or non-fiction?
Congratulations on the decision to go for your long-term goal 👏
I like your idea, because whether starting with what we have or going for a new system, adjusting iterations are always needed.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what your system is, just that you have one.
One that works for you, to that end, simple is better. Simple is doable and repeatable.
If it helps, here’s an easy framework I posted in my newsletter https://open.substack.com/pub/talesfromaconsultant/p/create-an-intentional-day?r=1elq0f&utm_medium=ios
Thank you! That will be a valuable resource going forward 🙏🏼
This is one of the classic topics that is always underestimated when writing or working on something. Fortunately we are always at the mercy of personal experiences and finding a balance between creating, working and social aspects is fundamental not only for the person's well-being, but also because this also leads to being aware of external inspiration and of the importance of cultivating relationships over time. Thank you for remembering this and offering practical advice.
Thank you.
Are you more in the "structure camp" or the "free flow camp"?
Absolutely in the structure camp!
High five! 😄
What does your current structure for content creation look like?