the craft. focus on the process

One of my colleagues in the D.C. area started a challenge called #everydayinmay in 2020 as a way to stay active during the pandemic. It was all about doing something active every single day and this year, he invited others to join along in the process. He is a runner, but everyone in the group kind of picked their own thing to do and I found myself doing some running, jump rope and HIIT exercises.

I am not a super fitness person. I actually haven’t worked out consistently in way too long though I was athletic in younger days. What helped keep me going was the awesome community that was checking in every day and helped me feel driven and accountable.

With the fact that I’ve been posting workouts consistently, a number of people have reached out about my goals and it got me to thinking about goal setting even in writing. The reality is, my goal is rooted in moving every day. Not in losing weight or jumping onto some fad diet.

I find that when people decide they want to lose weight or get fit, they often go way too hard in the paint to start. They jump so far off the ledge that they burn out quickly because it’s extremely difficult to go from not doing anything at all to doing two a days. Next thing you know, your whole body is in shock and you can’t keep up consistently.

I’ve been doing a little each day. Helping myself get stronger and building up the muscle. It’s very similar when we think about more long term projects like writing a book. Sometimes we focus so much on the end goal instead of breaking it down into a schedule. Consistency is what will help you complete your project, not necessarily the long and arduous writing sessions. If you focus on writing consistently, the book will eventually be written. Just the same as fitness. If you are making good food choices and moving every day, something’s gonna happen!

The other thought I had was this, some days I didn’t feel like it. Some days I opened up my eyes, looked at the ceiling and thought to myself, there is no way I can do this. But I did this thing where I got up and put on my workout clothes anyway just to see what would happen. Every morning I have to walk my dog and putting on the clothes to do that made me feel accountable to actually do something either on our walk or after it.

Sometimes part of the battle is showing up. You may not feel like writing, but sometimes you have to get up and sit in front of the computer or notebook and see what happens. Some days may yield nothing. But other days, you may have words that are overflowing. You have to show up to it though.

Many of you have talked about consistency as a major pain point. What I have found is that these two ideas are so key in being consistent not just in writing but in life.

I remember a quote from a DeVon Franklin book that said, “you’re either disciplined or you're not.” At first I felt oddly offended by that. There are areas where I’m really disciplined in my life and others that need work. Like fitness. Lol. But I relate so much more to that quote the older I get. What separates those that finish or achieve their goals is discipline. So I’ll say, “You’re either going to write the book or you’re not.” This is not to say that it may not take time. LORD knows, I’m four years in with my debut and bumping my way around a third manuscript. But you will get there if you focus on the process and show up to the work even on the days when you don’t feel like it.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Mater Mea, Black motherhood site, is looking for personal essays and reported features. Especially interested in hearing from queer parents. Pay ranges from $100-$250. Email press@matermea.com with pitch and link to past writing samples.

InStyle.com is looking for pitches surrounding the Olympics. Exciting change/athletes? A past Olympic moment to revisit? DM your story’s working hed, thesis, how and why.

School Library Journal is hiring a YA Editor.

Apple News is hiring a Contractor for Olympic coverage.

National Book Foundation is hiring a Communications and Marketing Manager.

The New Yorker is hiring a Newsletter Editor.

Output is hiring an Editorial Content Lead.

Outlier Media is hiring a Director of Development. (Detroit)