And before I start, I gotta brag just a little bit. I actually finished my book before the deadline, I finished writing TWO books (my novel and an ebook with beaucoup value for writers that I want to give away), finished reading a book, and I finished my client’s structure which I’d been tapping my pencil over for two weeks too long.
I looked down at the date one day and realized I only had SEVEN more days to finish my book, according to the deadline I’d set earlier this month. I wanted to finish the first draft before December, so I first moved the goal from being an interest to an intention, then decided to give something up.
1. Social media was the first sacrifice.
I wanted to do something that would make a little uncomfortable, but would motivate me to wrap these pages up. While thinking about that, I winded up on Instagram. And it came to me to give social media up until I was finished (meaning, if it so happened to take 10 days instead of 7, I still wouldn’t log back in). I used to count social media as a necessary part of my process. While I still recommend having that something to do while in between thoughts, I don’t recommend social media because it’s too distracting. I downloaded Words With Friends instead. This way, after I played my word, then I got back to writing. Ain’t no end to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
2. I missed all the pictures of plates of turkey, dressing, and macaroni.
Yeah, I’m saying that with the side eye. But I actually was concerned when Tuesday swung around and I realized that my social media fast would include Thanksgiving. Then Thursday came and I thought about what I was actually missing and realized I was tripping over nothing. Although I did have to go back and thumb through the #ThanksgivingWithBlackFamilies hashtags after I finished my book. You talking about funny?!
3. I worried a few of my family members.
We went down to South Florida for the holiday to spend time with family. Don’t get me wrong now, I invested that quality time with my people. But for about three of hours of each day, I was ducked off somewhere writing. Every so often, someone would come check on me to make sure I was okay. Before going to sleep, I’d get a few more words in. On the highway, I was getting even more of ’em in.
4. I wasn’t exactly sleeping according to a regular schedule.
The time I go to bed and wake up in the morning varies anyway, but on average, I’d say I doze off around 11 and wake up around 9. I’m not saying you gotta do this to get it done (at all); just sharing my patterns. I did this with my first book’s deadline too (and was a full-time employee and student back then). I didn’t go to bed before 2 a.m. during any of the seven days. I didn’t force myself to do it though. Given the way my days were setup, that’s when I had the necessary silence and solitude to get it done. I’m a nap queen though, and I slept over 10 hours when I finished.
5. I missed Small Business Saturday.
I love supporting small businesses and knew the deals would be popping. I felt like I was missing out big time, but that reminded me of being on my 21-day detox. I was travelling to New Orleans during my commitment of only eating raw plants. Me and my mind battled that thang. I wanted so bad to make an exception given the circumstance. You don’t go to New Orleans and not eat gumbo, crawfish, turkey necks, hot sausage, and po boys all while in the drive-thru to get a daiquiri.
Technically, I was free to do it and everyone around me had given me permission. But in the midst of all that internal and external “gumbo-ya ya” (aka “noise”), my Higher Self was there reminding me that it all came down to my commitment to myself. There will always be an excuse to cheat or give up, but was that how I wanted to (dis)honor myself?
So I let it go. When I did, I realized I wasn’t missing anything anyway. New Orleans will always be there and businesses have specials all the time. And if they so happen not to have a deal when I want to make a purchase, then my queen-being-crowing-wearing ass will buy it anyway. *Z-snap*
Now that I’m brimming with time and ideas, I wanna help you with your book. Let’s schedule a one-hour Fundamental Strategy Session to discuss your vision. If you’ve already started it, then send that before our call. I’ll edit the first five pages and give you an analysis on up to 25 more pages. If you haven’t already started it, but kind of know where you want to go, then we’ll do some more brainstorming and complete the detailed outline together on the phone. By the time you hang up, you’ll have the clarity and tools to knock out the next step in your writing process. The investment for this strategy session is $90. Interested? CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SESSION!
P.S.: That second book I finished writing is only 15 or so pages. I wanted a super valuable giveaway on my website for writers who want to #RiskExpression and write more vulnerably and courageously. I talk more about my seven-day social media fast in it, including all the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. Make sure you’re on the mailing list to get that when it drops.