Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Mama said there'd be days like this.

Call it procrastination. Call it mid-week slump.

Today is one of those days when I have zero motivation and a laundry list of deadlines, interviews and assignments.

(And it looks like I also have a pile of laundry to tackle.)

How do I recapture my writing mojo on days like this?

I reexamine my yearly writing goals.

Are you on track?

Since only three months remain in 2011, now is the ideal time to take out your list and see how you're stacking up.

When I grabbed my list - which is posted on the bulletin board in my office - I read the seven goals I established at the end of last December. Have I met all seven? Four? One?

I'm happy to report I've completed four goals; however, the remaining three need work...and time.

Why do these matter? Because I want to take my writing career to the next level, and if I don't start working toward those goals, when will I begin? Nothing like a day of procrastination to make you realize how writing is WORK and motivation needs to be there!

How did I fix my Wednesday letdown? I called a writing friend who gave me a much-needed pep talk! A writing partner or critique group provides feedback that can propel you in the right direction.

After the talk, guess what I did? I sat down and started writing. How else will a writer meet her goals?

If your desire is to increase your bottom line, write a hot bestseller, or complete a set number of blog posts each week, you need to take a look at your long- and short-term goals. If procrastination and motivation send you on a detour, grab that list and take note of what you need to accomplish to reach the finish line.

Sure, mama said there'd be days like this, but she also said that if a goal is worth reaching, I need to find the drive to reach my goals.


When is the last time you examined your writing goals? How do you get back on track?


by LuAnn Schindler.  Read more of LuAnn's work at Writing on the Wall.