I tried a new wrinkle to my morning routine this past week. After making my cup of coffee, I do my writer affirmations, and then read a few quotes related to being a writer. And then I go upstairs and write for an hour. And then I come back down to do my other affirmations and the rest of my morning routine. So far (three times) I like it.
On Friday, I spend a couple of additional hours of promo stuff, sending a query to my coach, calling a colleague to ask about a particular publication, and deciding which magazines to pitch next.
So now I’m thinking it might be good to schedule time slots during the week for this — make actual appointments with myself, like all the writing books suggest.
I still haven’t done shit with my office organization or email backlog, but I’ve noticed a slight difference in my mental attitude about it — it’s going to happen soon. It’s not unlike what’s happening with my racquetball game — I’m aware that I’m screwing up when it’s happening but accompanying this is a little bit of self-talk: “No biggie; you’re making progress; you’re learning; you’re working on a plan that’ll help with this if you stick to it.” Which is way different than: “Oh fuck, there you go again.”
It just occurred to me now that this might have something to do with the part of the affirmation where I say, “… and I love the challenge of learning to…”
So this week I think I’ll continue doing my writing affirmations right before I write; then do my mental toughness affirmation right before I play; and my get-organized affirmation right before I plan my day.