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How I Stay Focused on Writing So I Can Work Toward My Writing Goals

How I Stay Focused on Writing So I Can Work Toward My Writing Goals

How I Stay Focused on Writing So I Can Work Toward My Writing Goals
Photo by Marco Fossati

How I Stay Focused on Writing So I Can Work Toward My Writing Goals

I just finished rereading Do the Work by Steven Pressfield and I highly recommend you read it as well. It is a great book that puts the concept of resistance (i.e., anything that keeps you from accomplishing your work) into perspective.

Seriously, this is a must-read for any writer or entrepreneur – anyone who is setting out to go beyond the norm. It will help you understand what resistance is, where it comes from, and how you can stop letting it rule your life and keep you from achieving your dreams.

I wanted to talk more about resistance and share a little bit of my story with you.

Another form of resistance is taking the easy way out. You know there is no easy way when it comes to writing. It is hard work. Our inner critics tell us our writing sucks, and when we let it get the best of us, we set our writing aside.

I’ve been battling with this for a long time. I went off course when I started my copywriting business back in 2007. That was six years ago. About all I have to show for myself (for works of fiction) is one book I wrote for NaNoWriMo and parts of some others that I started but never finished.

The trouble I had when focusing on copywriting was that I was led by the money – the more I worked on building it, the more money I would make. At the time, money was pretty important (it still is), and I thought I needed to spend as much time as I could drumming up business.

But I also spent a lot of time slacking. I talked on the phone a lot and I watched a lot of cable television. I didn't take my personal writing work seriously and it took the back burner.

Since then, I’ve had a lot of enthusiastic starts, but then like most diet programs, I would give it up – I would let resistance take charge. Whatever distraction of the day would rise up like something shiny and worthy of attention.

Now, I am where I am and I can’t go back and change the past. I can only focus on what I’m doing now. After all these years, I still want to write fiction. I love it! So, I'm getting back into my novel writing.

However, I’ve needed a little extra help. Here is what is helping me stay alert, calm, and focused on writing.

I started with Young Living essential oils two months ago and they have helped me immensely. My favorite essential oil is Peppermint and I use it every day. I add it to my water to keep me focused so I can write. When I need a little extra boost to awaken the senses, I rub a drop above my upper lip.

I also use Peppermint to keep me from getting distracted and thrown off course by stomach issues like heartburn and an upset stomach.

Staying hydrated is a good way to stay alert after a long day at work or on the weekends when all you want to do is catch up on sleep. But plain water doesn't get me excited, so I started putting drops of oils in my water.

A few oils that I have tried in my water are Peppermint, Grapefruit, Lemon, and Lime. The oils in water make plain water taste good! I have been drinking a lot more water now that I have oils to make it tasty.

Another thing I have been doing is using Peace & Calming and Lavender (alternately) on the bottoms of my feet at night for a good night’s sleep. They help me get better quality sleep so I can feel more rested during the day and when I’m focusing on my work.

I also use Peace & Calming to calm me down when I’m feeling on edge, like when the dog next door is barking. There are days you just can’t stand it either, right? The incessant barking? Please tell me I’m not the only one who says, “If that dog barks one more time, I am going to flip out!!”

Anyway, there are times I need a little extra help to get me through, so I use my Peace & Calming oil and I feel so much better. It really calms me down and helps me redirect my focus. Peace & Calming is my second favorite oil!

Another oil I have discovered is Believe essential oil blend. It smells wonderful but it isn’t just meant to smell good. It is meant to open us up to new possibilities by releasing our unlimited potential. It also helps to balance our emotions, helping us to overcome feelings of despair.

Before my writing sessions, I rub a drop of Believe on my wrists and throat. It keeps me from becoming overwhelmed and it helps me stay motivated to get my writing work done.

I look forward to hearing what has helped you stay focused on writing. Talk to you soon!

Jody Calkins
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