One thing I’ve learned about being a writer, or a creative person in general, is how important it is to not be perfect.
For me, it’s especially important when it come to my scheduling. I cannot schedule my day down to the minute. It’s impossible, and it leaves me frustrated, and with things not done in the end.
I was just writing a post in a writers group on Facebook that made me think about that, and looking at my word count for the day. The person was asking about what they can do to up their daily word counts; they’re stuck at a certain production level, and they want to take another step. I recently did that, and I mean recently did that. In fact, it’s not quite my first full week…but here’s the thing: I know it’s going to work.
I’ve been here before with my video editing. Once I found my daily limits, or really, my daily sweet spot, I could crank that week in and week out. And I did, for three years. I can do it with writing, too.
But, here’s the thing: I set my goals and my schedule…but the only schedule that works for me is one that’s about 90% of my absolute best. I have to leave about 10% room, perhaps even more, for my own imperfections; the times where I just lose my focus or will power, things come up that put me off-track, or otherwise slow me down. I have to. I have to account for not being perfect.
When I do that…I magically find the time to make up those little losses here and there. I don’t feel devastated or discouraged when I fall a little short, because I know I’ve built in time and space to make up those little shortcomings.
It’s so important, y’all. We cannot hold ourselves to impossible standards. It only defeats us.
Today, I was supposed to write 4,000 words according to my schedule and my goals. I wrote Just over 2,600. BUT…my manuscript is currently only sitting about 500 words shy, and I know that come Sunday I’m going to have written 16,000 total words, because I’m going to put in my time tomorrow and hopefully write all 4,000…and I’ll make up those 500 words, or any others, over the weekend on my “off” days from writing. And if I *do* write all 4,000 words tomorrow and even the extra 500, then the words I write over the weekend will be extra.
What I’m saying is mark it down: this week is a turning point in my writing career.
I’ve found a schedule.
It’s not perfect, but neither am I, and that’s why it’s perfect.
It feels so good.