Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 94 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday? We are living in an upside-down world. The hustle and bustle of daily commutes, the never-ending parade of constant stress, unreasonable demands, over-hyped experiences, and thrilling activities competing for your time, attention, and energy—evaporated. Self-isolation, social distancing, work from home, eLearning, family time, and dog walking, are the newest must-do exercises. No one would blame you if you are feeling directionless in your suddenly open schedule.

Abrupt changes can induce anxiety, but what if you considered this an opportunity to cultivate deep working habits? Deep work is a concept defined by Cal Newport, associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and self-help author. He defines deep work as “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” The concept involves complete immersion in the task. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi would call it “flow.”

Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions. Will applying this strategy help you find your voice, open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 93 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday? We are living in an upside-down world. The hustle and bustle of daily commutes, the never-ending parade of constant stress, unreasonable demands, over-hyped experiences, and thrilling activities competing for your time, attention, and energy—evaporated. Self-isolation, social distancing, work from home, eLearning, family time, and dog walking, are the newest must-do exercises. No one would blame you if you are feeling directionless in your suddenly open schedule.

Abrupt changes can induce anxiety, but what if you considered this an opportunity to cultivate deep working habits? Deep work is a concept defined by Cal Newport, associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and self-help author. He defines deep work as “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” The concept involves complete immersion in the task. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi would call it “flow.”

Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions. Will applying this strategy help you find your voice, open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 92 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Happy April Fool’s Day. Did you write yesterday? Have you completed 4/12 (1/4 for you math types) of your annual writing goal? No one would blame you if March knocked you off track, decimated your schedule, and messed with your mind. But “unpredictable” is now to be expected.  Are you developing a new normal considering the constantly changing numbers with each news cycle?  Or is quarantine making your days feel monotonous?

I have two strategies I have developed from experience with stressful times. The first action item is to work harder on a focused list. Odds are that plenty of your commitments have delayed, postponed or canceled, while they have added unforeseen responsibilities to your plate. Step one is to keep the to-do list at a bare minimum and attack it with gusto. This month I am setting ambitious goals and getting competitive with myself. If my current writing sprint generated 500 words, my goal is 550 for the next session.

The second action plan is two-pronged. Indulge in frequent breaks and engage in unexpected activities. Have you seen the French man who ran a marathon on his balcony?  Maybe watch a muted movie and create the dialogue yourself. Compete in a dance contest where you are the only contestant or erect a display window for your neighbor’s amusement on their daily walks. What else can you do for April Fools?

The objective is to maintain a healthy level of insanity and stay on track to attain your writing goals.

Let us know how you are doing in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 91 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday? Life is an endless parade of challenges, exciting experiences, and thrilling activities all competing for your time, attention, and energy. The glitter and glam captures your attention, turns your head, and you forget about doing what makes you happy. While having multiple interests speaks to your personal freedom and your right to choose, the fragmented focus can keep you from following your passion and derail the attainment of your goals.

What activity lights your eyes, sets fire to your soul, and penetrates every fiber of your being? If it makes you happy to sing, then sing. If your feet yearn to dance, allow them to waltz you around the room. If you are compelled to build, teach, run, give comfort, or host dinner parties or live events, please follow your heart. If you are called to write, make the space in your day to find your voice, open your laptop, your notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told. I promise you there is someone in this world whose lives will be enriched by the passion you pursue.

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 90 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday? Life is an endless parade of challenges, exciting experiences, and thrilling activities all competing for your time, attention, and energy. The glitter and glam captures your attention, turns your head, and you forget about doing what makes you happy. While having multiple interests speaks to your personal freedom and your right to choose, the fragmented focus can keep you from following your passion and derail the attainment of your goals.

What activity lights your eyes, sets fire to your soul, and penetrates every fiber of your being? If it makes you happy to sing, then sing. If your feet yearn to dance, allow them to waltz you around the room. If you are compelled to build, teach, run, give comfort, or host dinner parties or live events, please follow your heart. If you are called to write, make the space in your day to find your voice, open your laptop, your notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told. I promise you there is someone in this world whose lives will be enriched by the passion you pursue.

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer