A little while ago I wrote a post about using your interests to make sure you enjoy what it is you are doing. The idea being that even if it isn’t the “best” way, you’ll get better results if you are having fun.
I wanted to follow that up with another real world strategy: turning something into a habit. I’ve been posting here daily for a while. It certainly feels like a habit. If I don’t have a post up by the time I head to bed, it’s the same feeling as not having brushed my teeth. It just feels off. But I also know once I break that habit, it will need to start over from the beginning.
So, I need a backup.
I use a daily planner/schedule. It’s a physical notebook that I write my appointments in. From this year I’ve also been recording whether or not I post here. It feels nice being able to write (in blue ink) “posted” at the bottom of the page for the day.
Yes, it might strike some as odd. My wife, whom I cherish, does not share my fondness for this type of logging. It’s not that she thinks I’m weird for doing it, but just the thought makes her feel antsy. It wouldn’t fly for her.
But for me, it worked so well that over the weekend I added a new log. I really enjoy the ukulele, but struggle to find time to play. So, to encourage myself to find at least 20 minutes a day to strum, I’m using my notebook. If I do so, then I simply record “ukulele” in my book. I’ve had three days straight and am feeling great.
Of course, the big challenge will be if I start a log of “novel”. My second rewrite is roughly 40% finished. I should move faster and find more time. Maybe I’ll start a record for it as well, but I’m worried that task just might be too large. I really like to write at least an hour at a time. That might be hard to come up with.
But the whole point of this is to further point out something that works as a motivator for me. We already know it doesn’t work for everybody. Still, if you are looking for something that gives you a push maybe give it a try.
Deadly Troubadour 