My first post of the year and I'm happy it's an IWSG post and wish you all a happy and successful new year! If you're not familiar with the IWSG bloghop developed by Alex J. Cavanaugh, click on the button on my right side bar and read up on what you've been missing.
The first week of January is ideal for starting new projects, setting goals and chasing dreams. Sounds exciting and it is, but I've seemed to have bottled up my excitement with a thumb planted firmly over the opening. I'm afraid if I let out my overflowing aspirations for the coming year, I'll end up setting unrealistic goals which will lead to failure and disappointment. Seems I've found myself in a bit of a contradiction of emotions accompanied by my old friend, Mr. Fear of Disappointment.
Yet, I want to write. A lot. Writing is constantly on my mind. From my current wip, to a new project taking shape in my mind, to two older writing projects I so desperately want to finish. But without goals, I succumb to doubts which paralyse my writing. In truth, my most prolific and best writing has always been produced while under pressure. Stress is my way of overcoming procrastination born from self doubt. So as I see it, the solution is to keep busy. And as soon as I get back home from vacation, I'm diving into a few projects, set deadlines, and will put myself under a bit of pressure as a kind of kick to the pants to get me going.
Mr. Fear of Disappointment, your clock is ticking you spineless bas****.
Thanks everyone for stopping in, I really do appreciate it. I'm going to be on the road all day today as my vacation comes to an end. Unfortunately, that means I won't be able to visit you today. However, I should be back to blogging on Thursday and can't wait to catch up will you all. (=
Forget that ! I'll continue your vacation with you! Then we can write... :-P
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Setting unrealistic goals which will lead to failure and disappointment. Yep, I do that. Every January. =) But I think I work best under pressure and setting big bold goals is my way of creating that pressure.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great vacation...
Hello from IWSG group! May 2013 be a great writing year for you. I just commented on another post recently and mentioned that quote about shooting for the moon and landing among the stars. I think it's okay to set big goals for ourselves, even if we might not meet them at the deadlines that we set. Like you, I have a WIP I need to tackle, and a separate story blossoming in my head all at the same time. I often get ideas for new projects while I'm in the middle of doing something else.
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes our best work is written under stress because you have no time to think. They say writing is an 'intuitive' process so maybe pressure helps with that. Anyway, enjoy your vacation - no pressure on that part I hope! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou spineless ___ !! Tell him, Elise!!
ReplyDeleteSet some goals and dive back in. That doubt will be gone in no time.
stay safe on your way back home from south country w/kiddies
ReplyDeleteas for writing, you do it well, from what i've seen/read... just tell mfod to po... give yourself another 'cup of kindness', for 'auld lang syne', and let the words flow from your fingertips :)
I worked for years with college students and study skills. What I learned is that some kids must have structure. They thrive on it and without it are at loose ends. But interestingly, others thrive on "production under pressure". They find they work best dabbling at this, dinking on that and the project gets done when it's due. Finding your niche, what works, is so individual! As I told the students-- the method is less important than the final outcome and your mental and emotional health. Best to you-- and all of us-- as we venture into the new year.
ReplyDeleteStill on vacation? You lucky devil!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny because I also posted about setting realistic goals, though there's no harm in aiming big...
We are all different and from the sound of things, you work better under pressure. What I'd like is to sign up with a group where members cheer each other on... a type of group where there are "buddies" to offer moral support... and you have to be accountable every fortnight or so, to check how far you've come with those goals...
On the road? I bet you mean in the air flying back to France!
ReplyDeleteI think 2013 is the year you explode with all of your stories, Elise. I look forward to reading them and helping out where I can. Love the new snapshot thing you're rockin on the blog here to the left.
Have a great trip. What a wonderful way to start a new year.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2013.
I need goals, sometimes unrealistic ones, to get me moving. Good luck with your writing!
ReplyDeleteDon't stifle your enthusiasm. Shake that bottle and lift your thumb! :D
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
IWSG #137 until Alex culls the list again.
how long was the drive back north? :D
ReplyDeleteThat fear of disappointment character sure gets around--visits way too often here as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope your vacation went well Elise and Happy New Year.
Hope you've had a wonderful vacation and Holiday(s) Elise! I think most writers walk that line between complacency and productivity. Probably a product of being involved in work that is so cerebral. It's hard, after all, to punish a writer for 'thinking'--just kind of part of the job. lol
ReplyDeleteBut at some point we DO need to be pushed I believe. And making goals and setting deadlines is often just the trick. :-)
EJ
Enjoy the vacation! You have to have deadlines. I like deadlines. They're my friends who keep me moving forward in a timely manner.
ReplyDeleteMr. Fear of Disappointment, your clock is ticking you spineless bas****
ReplyDeleteLove it.
You so got this, Elise! Mr. Fear of Disappointment needs to take a hike.
ReplyDeleteYou'll do great. *hugs*
Hope you have a great vacation! Tell Mr. Fear of Disappointment to take a hike! Your writing is great and needs to be read by others. :) XOXO
ReplyDeletebusy busy busy means no time for fear! go for it!
ReplyDeletelooks like a great year for you!
You tell that fear! Hope you have a fantastic writing year. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that demon Fear of Disappointment! But he's a wimp compared to our determination and skill. So get with it! Get a goal and go for it! Tweak it when you need to, but stay with it. And good luck.
ReplyDeleteOh Elise... I soooooo get this. But you've got the right perspective---I have no doubt in you. Truly. Let's stomp out that fear!
ReplyDeleteNo fear, Elise! Carpe Diem! I will help you face your fears. Like this: http://pinterest.com/pin/225320787578789099/ LOL!
ReplyDeleteHi Elise .. you've got lots going on - it's getting the procrastination away each day while you write ... and I'm sure you'll succeed ... have a great 2013 - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteStress and pressure motivate me too. You ARE going to have a great 2013!
ReplyDeleteThat's the spirit! Tell that Mr. Fear of Disappointment who's boss! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is the right attitude. Don't let fear cripple you.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!!
I think fear is the major thing holding most of us back. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of pressing up against those boundaries and finding a wall. Yeah, getting past that stuff is a biggie, but we gotta do it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to find your blog. :)