The Rewards of Discipline
I started my day with a trip to the post office to send off a special order from the store. I love mailing those journals out. I imagine them being filled with someone’s thoughts and making their new owner smile.
Our team is working on a revision of our web site (already) to address the loading of articles (code giving the web maestro some trouble) and to re-design things for readability and navigation. The articles are slow to post, which is frustrating for all of us as we build this business.
It occurred to me again today how much of writing is strictly discipline. When the first flush of excitement for the project is over and you’ve already told the story to yourself, it comes down to the discipline of getting the work done. Of the many talented writers out there, it is those with commitment and discipline that finish books, update blogs, and create works for others to read.
I hear from quite a few people who want to write, or look at me wistfully when I mention the writing I do. I want to encourage them. More often than not, their heads drop and they give an excuse about time, skill, or whatever. It reminds me of when my dad was considering graduate school. When asked if he was going to apply, he responded “but I’ll be 50 before I finish.” The wise friend replied “you’ll be 50 anyway…why not be 50 with a degree.”
I do know of two people from my daytime life that ARE writing. One is close to finishing his first book. The other took on his book as part of a recovery program, and is pacing himself to finish when the program ends. Both men are middle-aged with full schedules and family commitments. I’ve been talking to each of them for most of the year, giving encouragement whenever possible. Both have, in turn encouraged me and let me talk about my work as well. More often than not, the conversation turns to making time to write, and practicing the discipline to complete the vision.
Commitment is not enough. Excitement, inspiration, and loving the concept are not enough. We must apply our hindquarters to the chair and do the work. No one will do it for us. Before we know it, the three of us will be 50 (they sooner than I). We will be 50 whether we write or not, so why not have something special to show for it? A finished manuscript or several…a lifelong dream fulfilled…and all it takes is discipline.
I’m not saying developing discipline is a walk in the park, mind you. Coupled with commitment and practice, however, it isn’t impossible, either. It’s too bad the word doesn’t sparkle with fun and thrills (though it should). Discipline sounds like work because it is.
Commitment, prayer, focus, and practice are working to deepen my discipline. I encourage you to work on yours. Who knows where it can take us? I’m excited to be on the ride.
I know I really have to work on the discipline thing. I’m pretty bad about not committing myself to my project.
I’m getting there ever so slowly as I’m trying to keep up on my writing blog and starting to work harder on my book. I’m often overwhelmed by the amount of research needed, but I know I’m focusing too much on that aspect. I believe I’m slowly crawling out of the procrastination pit, but it’s a hard climb