In this age of over-sharing (via blogs and Twitter, etc), I’ve noticed people falling into the trap talking talking talking about what they’re going to do but not actually doing anything. Frankly, I have to wonder how busy people really are if they’re always updating statuses.
I found myself falling into this trap lately with my writing projects. I’d tell folks about elaborate plans to do A, B and C, and even post the same on various online spaces, but really I’d just sit at home catching up on TV shows and snacking. However, after I found myself offering tough-love advice to a writer friend who has been “writing” a novel for close to two years but has no pages to show for it, I was forced to hold the mirror up to myself.
There are many projects that I have claimed to be working on that were only given about a day’s worth of attention. So shame on me for that. I’m currently in the process of revisiting all of that and formulating a plan that will produce real results. Also, I’m re-learning to keep important plans to myself.
My mother always warned me against sharing too much about what I was going to do. To paraphrase her: “You never know who is out there wishing you harm; once they know your plans they can sabotage them.” And I don’t let superstitions rule me too much, but there’s a little truth in that bit of advice. There’s also a lot of truth in working hard and the rewards that work will yield.
The only update I can offer you right now is that I’m working on my craft. The only thing I need from you in return is a “Godspeed, woman!”
Do you find yourself talking too much and doing too little? How do you fight it and get productive?
xoxo,
Raquel Ivelisse
Godspeed Woman!
That said…I often find myself in that same pit 🙁 Being back in Graduate School has made me more focused, yet I find myself with no time for that “Great American Novel” I was supposed to be writing :/ I am determined to try to carve out some space to work on it as well as all of my academic aspirations..Wish me the same words please! LOL
You are so on point! I’ve also been known to spend so much time planning, and not doing. Not this year. 2013 is the year of taking action and talking less..
UHHHHHHHH!! I know! This is my life!!! *kicks corner of your desk.*
Margaret- when you take a look at how you really spend your time, you’ll see exactly where “work on novel” will fit.
Irene- Godspeed to you, too!
Tiff- Hey! I just bought that desk!