Tips for a Distracting Time
It's been a crazy and, in many ways, difficult week here in the U.S. If you're having trouble working (as I am and I know many others are), grab your timer and do short intervals. (Even a minute or two!) You will make progress and, perhaps even more importantly, keep the material fresh in your head so that you can re-enter it more easily when you have more focus.
And who knows? Maybe a couple of minutes will lead to a couple more, then a couple more, etc.
Did I tell you I sometimes use dice? I have a great purple set from Chessex (gamers' choice; a cheap indulgence). Sometimes I roll a die to decide which part of my manuscript to work on. (Which chapter or section; they're all numbered.) It adds a bit of color and fun to the process, and randomness is a great tool against perfectionism because you can't really take a piece of writing that seriously when you're only working on it because you rolled it.
For those (understandably) upset about the U.S. election, a few tips:
- Don't perfectionistically judge your reactions! As a society, and individuals, we've all had a shock.
- Don't perfectionistically push yourself to quickly "return to normal." (Whatever that is!)
- Do a bit of work, a lot of self-care, and whatever other productive activities you can. Empowerment is a process, and builds on itself. Small actions are the foundation.
- Find someone to really talk it out with.
- Take action in support of your values. If you're worried about the world becoming less kind and empathetic, focus on being kinder and more empathetic yourself moving forward.
- Moderate your language so as to help yourself and others remain calm. Yes, we're in a debacle, but talking about "the end of the world" is hyperbolic and unhelpful.
