I’m one of those people who constantly tries to change something even if it’s working. Somewhere in my mind, there’s a voice goading me. Reminding me that just because something is working doesn’t mean it can’t be better. Convincing me to try something new so I don’t get bored.
As if on queue, now that we’ve come to the end of this month, I’m wondering if 300 words a day is no longer right for me. If I can measure my progress by another standard. If I have to work every day or if I’m allowed to take a day off to think.
Part of me wants to try to track a different habit. Another part knows very well that that crashed and burned last month (when I tried to measure 30-minute time increments during which I did something novel-related and ended up going to bed most nights without making any progress).
But the truth is, it’s been a month and I have more words written for my manuscript than I ever have before. Not for any manuscript—because I did finish one once—but for this one. That’s pretty damn good, considering I had the idea back in 2017. (And I don’t hate them all, either.)
So, I now have to evaluate whether or not I need to change tactics entirely, push myself to write even more, or keep doing what I’m doing until it feels too easy.
I think I’ll probably keep what I’m doing for now, at least for the manuscript. (As for this blog, I’m going to start posting twice a week and try to be more thoughtful—and helpful—with my words.)
Sticking with what I’m doing isn’t going to be easy when my brain dangles shiny objects in my face or makes me worry about how good my words are at every turn. But I think I can manage for at least one more month.
And who knows, if I keep promising myself it’s only for one more month and keep doing The Work, I might have a complete first draft soon. Sooner than if I don’t work at all because I’ve decided to change tactics and failed again, that is.
(# Of words I wrote for my manuscript today: 312)