It really does matter.

Sometimes I question whether I should keep writing, and I’ve actually written about it before: Is It Worth It?

It’s so interesting, because I wrote out a plan for what I was going to do over the six month period after writing that piece.

I’m really good at making plans. I’m not so great at executing them with fidelity. I start strong and fizzle. I don’t start at all, because I start working on something else. I get busy and just forget about it, because it isn’t a priority even though I think it is at the time. 

And so here I am once again. 

I would love to be someone who hits publish every single day like Seth Godin or Maria Popova.

Alas, I am not. 

I’ve been going about it all wrong.

I finally figured out the problem though. I’ve been going about it all wrong.

When I think about Seth Godin who has published a short blog post daily for more than a decade, it’s overwhelming to me.

I quit before I start, because I’m looking at the enormity of publishing something every day for more than 3,650 days. 

Instead, I need to start with today.

It’s like the decision to run a half marathon. You don’t just go out and run 13.1 miles one day.

You build the mileage up slowly one day at a time. You focus on the day in front of you and the run for that day.

Or, you decide you want to lose 20 pounds. The weight isn’t going to come off all at once. It’s a daily commitment and you take it one day at a time.

What can you control and do today?

Go back to day one as often as you need to.

We all need to give ourselves grace. When we miss a workout day, we splurge on a piece of cake, or skip writing, it feels like we often give up.

What we need to realize is that it’s okay to start again with day one. I wrote about it here: Hit the Reset Button as Often as You Need To.

Reflecting on where we went wrong helps us make changes to begin again. 

When we take it one day at a time and focus on the day in front of us, momentum begins to build. 

That’s what happened when I started a guided meditation practice nearly 10 years ago. I’ve had some nice streaks during that time, including the 397 day streak I’m currently on. 

If the streak ends tomorrow, I will give myself grace and start again.

In conclusion.

For the writers out there who are thinking about hanging up their writing life, don’t. 

We all learn from each other.

The world needs to hear my voice.

The world needs to hear your voice.

Start today and see where that leads you. 

I will do the same.

Cheers!