I’m sure you remembered all the people you love – but did you remember your writer self? You know, the part of you that loves to write, but so rarely gets the chance to write what you’re truly passionate about in a way that is deeply satisfying. If you’ve slighted your writer self, a half-price … More Did You Forget Someone on Valentine’s Day?
In just 1 minute and 10 seconds, Michelle May shares advice that can transform your resistance to exercise: lower the bar. The same philosophy is at the heart of the 15 Magic Minutes technique you can use to eliminate your resistance to writing, exercise or anything else you have a push-pull, “I want to … More Lower the Bar to Reduce Resistance
Anything you can do to strengthen your writing habits and weaken the resisting habits will make your life so much easier and satisfying. Resisting habits are the thoughts and actions that make it less likely you will write. For example, consistently checking your email and Facebook when you think about writing decreases the chances you … More Do You have Writing Habits or Resisting Habits?
No matter how resistant you are – how much or how long you’ve been procrastinating, distracting yourself, doing anything but the writing you want or need to do – two simple commands will change everything. Well-trained dogs respond to these commands and you can train your brain to respond, too. Yes, I know people are … More Master Resistance with Two Simple Commands
Rachel Vilsack requested a post on how to capitalize on creative flow at those times when “I come up with new, great idea that is exactly what I’ve been looking for, but it happens when I don’t have time to write, like when I’m at work. I get jazzed to work on the idea just … More How to Capture Creative Flow When You Have No Time
1. Show up! The other seven essentials will tell you what to do when you show up, but the most important step is to devote time to writing. Everything comes from simply showing up consistently. You must have the integrity to honor a clearly stated writing commitment. I’m NOT suggesting you have to write for … More Eight Essentials Every Writer Must Master
I shared a Wall Poster on my Facebook page with the “Nobody tells this to people who are beginners…” quote from Ira Glass that’s making the rounds right now. If you’re getting started as a writer, the advice is right on target. If you’ve been writing awhile, it’s an excellent reminder. If you haven’t seen … More Sidestep Writer’s Resistance with the Willingness to Suck
Have you ever been stood up? Or waited so long for someone to show up for a date or meeting that you feared you were being stood up? At first, we get irritated, “Why is he always late?” Then we get nervous, “What if something happened to her?” Then we go back to being mad, … More Stood Up!
I’ve often proclaimed the power of short, regular writing sessions (see previous posts on 15 Magic Minutes, 10 Reasons to Show Up,or Initial Inertia). A small commitment eliminates anxiety and is therefore easier to honor. You’ll probably find, as so many of my students and coaching clients do, that showing up for 15 minutes gets … More Focus and Fifteen Magic Minutes
When the Wizard of Oz says “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain,” we know that’s exactly what Dorothy, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man should look at. But paying attention to writer’s block and other forms of resistance is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you have to know what your … More Pay No Attention to that Writer’s Block Behind the Curtain
Bane of Your Resistance 