Too Much of a Good Thing?
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I went to a writers meetup this week hoping to find that everyone there was as busy as I am living the dream of being a freelance writer or published author. What I found instead was that not many had completed the project they were working on last time I was there six months ago. Many admitted to not having any goals and some had very little interest in doing much of anything with their talent.
It dawned on me that perhaps I am over zealous and too ambitious about my writing business. After all, I do have a lot going on. It didn’t seem like that much until I made a list of what I’m working on:
Recording a Podcast interview every week
Advertising podcast guests and our show
Uploading the podcast to iTunes
Writing my own non-fiction
Publishing a monthly newsletter
Posting daily to my blog, this one and others
Marketing to find leads for my team of writers
Networking with several online groups
Preparing lessons and teaching writing classes
Article challenge group (to write 30 articles in 60 days)
Networking with groups that meet in person
Answering hundreds of emails daily
I’m sure there are other things I’ve forgotten to write down, but reading this partial list gives me a dizzy feeling.
Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day in Nashville with temperatures in the mid-60s. I managed to sit outside for about ten minutes but my mind kept repeating all the “things” I had on my to-do list that weren’t getting done while I sat there enjoying some “me” time. I relented and went back inside to work. By the end of the day, I had a headache and felt angry. Angry that I had given in to my workaholic nature. Or maybe I was feeling guilty for enjoying my life and the success I have created.
While some of my fellow writers may not be making any progress, it’s possible that I am trying to do too much. I think balance is the key here.
I thought about letting some things go, but WHAT? I love everything I do. I’m only involved in what I enjoy. Maybe it’s not in my nature or personality to not be busy with several tasks going on at once. I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t going, going, going.
On second thought, I don’t think I’ll give in to the temptation to feel guilty about anything or feel angry for that matter. I like being busy, I like being a successful freelance writer, I enjoy helping others, I take time to lick lollipops with my grandson and I’m not going to slow down.
I will simply add sunshine and fresh air to my to-do list!
Topics: Yvonne Perry, writing technique, writers on call, teleclasses, marketing, freelance writing |