I usually think of writing as a passive endeavor, but more and more, I’m seeing it as an active fight. This fight has to do with my writing time. I’ve recently come across a few pieces of advice that are all related to fighting for your writing time.
Guard your writing time with your life.
I’ve decided to take my morning writing sprint more seriously in this new year. I must. Otherwise, I’ll go for days without writing a word. To do this I need to get a perspective on motivation and discipline.
Motivation is a fair-weathered friend. Sure, when it pops by and wants to do something, I’ll go with it. But, Motivation is not a constant buddy. It only shows up when it’s convenient for it.
Discipline, on the other hand, can be a constant companion. If I work on my friendship with Discipline, it will show up every day. Waiting for the muse that is Motivation simply won’t do it. I need to hang out with my buddy Discipline every day at the same time whether I feel like it or not.
Discipline is how I make progress.
So, I’m guarding my writing time every morning with my life and discipline with be at my side. Motivation? I’ll take it when it shows up, but I’m counting on the big M. When it comes to getting my work in progress done, Discipline is my partner.
Some key points to remember about Discipline versus Motivation:
- Motivation vanishes. Discipline stays.
- When you treat your writing schedule as non-negotiable, you’re telling yourself and the world that your craft matters.
- Discipline isn’t glamorous; it’s the quiet resolve to write through boredom, self-doubt, or even exhaustion.
- When motivation strikes, ride that wave.
- In the battle between discipline and motivation, discipline must always win.
- Over time, those ordinary, disciplined writing sessions will add up to extraordinary results.
Friday’s Findings
- The Ripple Effect: How to Weave Plot with Character
- Writing Multiple Perspective in Three Easy Steps
- 12 key steps for getting unstuck as a writer
- How to Overcome Perfectionism in Your Writing Life
- Writing “Out of Order”: How to Free Yourself from Chronology
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/text-4753879/
Andrew M. Friday 
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