Writing a daily blog as a means of self discipline is a great challenge. I mentioned this goal to a friend who is a professionl photographer and yoga instructor; a person who seems “self-actualized. ” She looked at me with a grave expression and said that doing so was was no joke, and very difficult. Her seriousness surprised me, and sort of scared me too, because I knew she was right.
It’s easy to write when you are on track, motivated, feeling good and bursting with ideas. Your mileage may vary, but for me, such a state of being is – let’s say intermittent So, to maintain such a discipline some strategies are in order.
Here are some strategies I have found useful:
l.) Embracing a forum for sharing ideas I care about and find compelling. This one was very useful and provided ample fodder for many blogs. Just sharing good ideas and information drives me.
2.) Writing to a specific audience; in my case, imagining my children or children’s children, provided a motivating muse. What do they need to hear or know? This can get the juices flowing.
3.) Writing to other 365 Commitment members is of course a good one; connecting with people sharing this experience is a natural.
3.) Writing to myself and telling myself what I need to hear has been helpful as well, and for me has highlighted, or helped me notice the conversations and characteristics of my subpersonalities.
4) Simply cataloging my daily experience like a diary of sorts, although I fear this one is likely boring, it is concrete data and helpful for accountability.
5) Reading or watching something inspiring and sharing my take on it.
6) Just start writing and see what happens. This one works surprisingly well sometimes, because writing is thinking, and things tend to emerge once you start.
7) Setting a deadline. There is nothing so motivating as a looming deadline for some of us. I know when this blog automatically gets sent out, so I force myself to start writing somthing in the space of time preceeding the deadline, and just being ok with that day’s result.
8) Failing. Not a great strategy . . . or is it? One that I hate to admit. So, I won’t directly. I will say , failing causes me to reevaluate, seek new or improved strategies, and improve. Humility and resilience and commitment are keys to deriving value from failure.
Writing a daily blog is truly a challenge, being open and vulnerable in a public space is the crucial dimension, but it is a habit with serious rewards, as any good habit will bear out. I suggest you try it.
Ben Wagner (223)
Member The 365 Commitment
