To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
Now that song is stuck in your head, isn't it? Good, because I want to make a point.
Read the lyrics. "...a time for every purpose..." That's how I want you to start looking at your life . . . particularly your writing life, but heck, apply it to your entire life, too. Whatever you do, do it with purpose. If it has no purpose, then stop doing it. Focus . . . and ask yourself this question about everything in your day:
"What is the purpose?"
You may find a lot of activities in your life have no purpose.
= watching most television shows
= cleaning unless it absolutely needs it (or as I do, only when people come to visit)
= catching the news everyday
= reading 47 blogs everyday to "keep up"
= fill in the blank
We tend to gravitate to things that aren't focused, that fall into two categories:
1. They feel good to do them.
2. What will others think about me if I don't do this?
So . . . you are seated at your computer. What is your purpose today . . . at this moment? Not sure? Then see if what you are doing falls into the above two categories, making them nonessential. You'd be amazed at how reluctant we are to give up items in category 1. "If it feels good, do it" covers a lot of ground in our schedules, and before we know it, it's time for bed and the day behind us is empty.
I know life isn't black and white, but what I'm trying to get you to do is design your life for purpose, which ultimately leads to progress, and most likely, success. There's no such thing as part-time focus . . . not without sacrifice of results.
What's your writing purpose? What are you making time for? I know you can't make time -- we all have 24 hours in a day. But it's remarkably stunning how you find time to achieve when you have purpose . . . and focus.
1 comment:
I work in a bookstore, and even many of my fellow employees claim they have "no time to read." The very same people gab endlessly about this TV show or that movie. Seriously? Everyone has time. It's what you choose to DO with it that matters. If they choose TV over reading, fine, but don't claim you "don't have the time." If you would honestly rather read or write than do other things, you'll do it.
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