Embrace Change to Transform Your Life and Writing Journey
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Chapter 1: A Fresh Start
Reflecting on the past, we often find ourselves repeating the same patterns. It's crucial to ask what will be different this time; otherwise, we risk falling into the same traps.
Image by Mike Tinnion via Unsplash
Last month, I boldly declared my intention to write daily throughout May. However, I only managed to keep up for three days before distractions took over—first, it was my father's birthday, and I allowed myself a day off. This led to anxiety creeping in, making it increasingly difficult to write, ultimately resulting in me abandoning my goal. I felt like I let myself down.
Yet, I've come to realize that it's perfectly acceptable to regroup and try again. This time, I'm better equipped because I’ve acknowledged the need for change. I had mistakenly thought that I could simply overcome my anxiety and depression and continue writing without interruption. Instead, I needed to take a hard look at my situation and implement some changes.
Section 1.1: Self-Assessment
When feeling overwhelmed, it’s common to lose sight of what the underlying issues are. The good news is you can perform a self-diagnostic, much like running a report on a computer.
Consider these questions:
- What do I hope to achieve?
- Why is this important to me?
- What obstacles are in my way?
- What actionable steps can I take today to progress?
Your initial responses may not reveal the full picture. It’s essential to dig deeper and ask "why?" multiple times to uncover the core issues.
For instance, my initial answers might be:
- What do I hope to achieve? Earning money through online writing.
- Why is this important? To leave my corporate job.
- What obstacles hinder my progress? Fatigue and fear of inadequacy.
- What can I do today? Continue reading, writing, and engaging with feedback.
While these answers are valid, they lack depth and specificity. A more profound insight might look like this:
- What do I hope to achieve? Earning at least as much through writing as my corporate salary to facilitate a transition to a writing career.
- Why is this important? I prefer writing over corporate work and desire the freedom to structure my work around my lifestyle.
- What obstacles hinder my progress? Poor sleep due to anxiety, which leaves me too drained to write or be creative, compounded by fear of not being good enough.
- What can I do today? Focus on improving my mental health.
This deeper reflection clarifies my goals and the reasons behind them, while also honestly assessing my current state and necessary first steps. Merely telling myself to write more is insufficient; understanding that fatigue and anxiety are significant barriers is crucial.
Subsection 1.1.1: Implementing Change
This month, I decided to make personal changes that may not be suitable for everyone. I've dealt with anxiety and depression for years, and I recognized the need for a shift to make a difference. My anxiety often impacted my focus and energy levels, hindering my ability to work on side projects.
Before Christmas, I began Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, hoping to find relief. Although I learned valuable techniques, I still experienced many symptoms. Recently, I returned to my doctor and started medication to help manage my condition. Although I initially preferred therapy, I realized that my previous methods weren't yielding results. Therefore, I opted for medication to see if it would improve my mood and sleep.
I am hopeful that this change will boost my energy and allow me to write more consistently.
Section 1.2: A New Perspective
In the past, I simply set writing goals, but now I'm confronting the root causes of my struggles. For you, this process might look different, perhaps focusing on carving out time for writing or generating new ideas. However, without implementing some form of change each month, you'll likely face the same barriers that hinder your writing consistency. As seasoned writers often say, consistent quality content is vital for success in online writing.
Chapter 2: Moving Forward
As I plan for June, I’ve decided to focus on self-care short-form writing—an apt theme, as I may need to heed my own advice!
I hope this article motivates you to embrace change and tackle the underlying issues that block your progress. Wishing you success in your writing journey!
This motivational video emphasizes that nothing will change unless you take the initiative to change yourself. It encourages self-reflection and personal growth.
Another motivational piece reminds us that nothing changes if we don’t make an effort to change our circumstances, highlighting the importance of taking action.