October 29, 2010

I don’t know how many of you have pig-out weekends with wake-up calls on Monday morning, but this week I had both. So I read a few motivational articles online for getting myself back on track.

It struck me that getting fit and getting published have a lot in common. The problems that derail us and the solutions proposed by the “experts” can almost be interchanged!

• For example, if you want to lose weight and get in shape, fitnss experts say that a support system of some kind is necessary. (Writers need it too.)
• Interval training is recommended for fitness–short bursts of focused work, then lighter periods for recovery. (This works best for my writing schedule as well.)
• Fitness experts recommend keeping track of your calories consumed and miles run. (Writers recommend keeping track of words and pages written.)
• Certainly to succeed in both areas, you need daily disciplines (consistency).
• And in both arenas, “slow and steady wins the race,” rather than days of self-torture followed by taking several weeks off.
• Both fitness experts and published writers recommend journaling, both for dealing with emotional issues that can throw you off your goals, as well as “before-during-after” journals for dealing with special blocks and temptations.
• Fitness gurus tell you how to deal with those loved ones who (perhaps unconsciously) try to sabotage your weight-loss progress. I’ve written about that issue myself, pertaining to writing.
• Fitness experts talk about the changes you need to make daily, and how you must think of them as “lifestyle changes” if you want to be successful. (Writers, also, must make changes in lifestyle that need to be permanent instead of lasting only until a deadline is met.)
• Diet instructors caution against using your calories on junk food and feeding the body little nutritional value. (As a writer, I have to force myself to lay aside my junk food mysteries sometimes in order to feed my mind something more literary and challenging.)
• To be successful in either endeavor, you need to stop those negative, defeatist thoughts and be optimistic.
• There are also times to deal with where you do everything right but get disappointing results (follow your food plan and exercise daily, yet gain a pound–OR write daily and submit, yet get rejected.)

Where’s My Motivation?

I realized that if I can master these general habits and mindsets, I can conquer all my fitness issues AND my writing issues! I just need to find the motivation.

In case you think your own motivation is lost, enjoy “Where Does Your Motivation Go When You Lose It?” The suggestions work equally well for developing fitness OR writing habits.

And if you have time, please leave a short comment sharing a way that YOU fire up your smoldering motivation. We’re all in this together!

8 Comments »

1. 

   Without a doubt, Kristi, keeping my critique group appointments is critical to pumping up my motivation! Not only does it force me to “write and produce something,” but attending critique group prepared also fires my lagging motivation by seeing that we’re all in this together and by hearing constructive criticism of my work. Love my critiquing friends!!!!

   Comment by Heather — October 29, 2010 @ 6:20 am

2. 

   Hi, Kristi, lately I’ve gotten motivated by reading–yes, reading!–Writer’s Market. Turning the pages, I’m taking notes, looking up publishers’ websites and actually finding potential homes for homeless mss. I can’t sell ‘em unless I get ‘em out there. Thanks for the advice above & the article link.

   Comment by Jane Heitman Healy — October 29, 2010 @ 7:29 am

3. 

   Awesome post! I’m also struggling with my fitness goals (in addition to my writing ones), so this post really speaks to me! LOL.

   One way I motivate myself for fitness/weight loss is to read success stories… and yeah, that would work with my writing, too. To read stories of writers who’ve procrastinated, or who’ve struggled with ideas — but then have finally gotten down to it and finished their work-in-progress… that’d be motivating to me.

   ~MizB

   Comment by MizB — October 30, 2010 @ 7:34 am

4. 

   I read the other article, too. I’d say cut yourself some slack is a good one. Don’t give up just because I chose chips for dinner instead of grilled chicken and veggies. Another one is REMEMBER WHAT YOU WANT. Desire is the biggest motivator. I want to lose weight and be healthy. I have to REMEMBER that. I want to be published. I have to REMEMBER that. When I remember my wants, desires, and goals, then I’ll DO the things to make it happen, even if I occasionally get sidetracked from time to time.

   Comment by Christie Wild — October 31, 2010 @ 10:36 am

5. 

   There’s such a correlation between getting fit and becoming a good writer! Lately, I’ve been working away at both of these things, and I’ve noticed many of the similarities that you mentioned! Another things I’ve noticed about both being fit and becoming a better writer is that you shouldn’t beat yourself about your mistakes. Whether I cave in and eat some junk food or I skimp on my writing for a day, I’ve learned that making myself feel terrible about it is useless. The best thing to do is just get back on track and move on!

   Comment by Emily — October 31, 2010 @ 5:04 pm

6. 

   Thank you, everyone, for some terrific suggestions. I plan to use them myself! I’ve been away from the desk most of last week, so forgive me for posting these comments late.

   I will take your suggestions and not beat myself up for my lack of writing last week. Lots going on!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — October 31, 2010 @ 6:30 pm

7. 

   Terrific post. I, too, struggle both with nutrition and writing (although I’ve been more successful with my writing). I’ve never realized the similarities until reading your post. Lately, I’ve been having more success with my nutrition by following simple, common sense. Achieving a healthy weight is a matter of eating sensible portions and healthful foods–period. It’s not that complicated. Cut out the junk and be consistent with good habits. Eat like a slim person and eventually, you’ll be a slim person. You can make parallel statements to becoming a good writer.

   Comment by Liz — November 4, 2010 @ 7:08 pm

8. 

   Hi Kristi,

   What a great post. That so much for sharing this!

   Irene

   Comment by Irene — November 8, 2010 @ 5:47 pm

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