While we may write because we love it, completing (and revising) a novel is Hard Work. Plus, as it’s a solo effort, you have to be your own ‘good boss’. I don’t know about you, but this is definitely an area I could improve…
I’m pretty good at setting my own deadlines and mini-goals and tracking progress, but there’s another productivity trick that I keep forgetting about – treats.
On a normal day, I make several deals with myself of the ‘if you finish this paragraph you can check your email’ variety, but that’s about the extent of it.
I know that my friend Keris goes one step further and promises herself small gifts for reaching writing goals and I think this is a great idea. I mean, we don’t have performance reviews or bonuses or after-work drinks… We need something, right?
Plus, I think it’s important to celebrate the small successes and to find joy in the process of creation as, really, that’s what constitutes the writing life. The publishing side is amazing (and I count my blessings every single day), but it’s more… Fraught.
So. I’d already told myself that I had until the end of May to revise my first draft and send it to my agent, but now I’m wondering what little gift/treat can I promise myself if I hit that deadline… Maybe a meal out (or tea and cake in a nice cafe)? A book from my wish-list?
How about you guys? Do you like the idea of treats or is it something you do already?
2 responses to “Monday Motivation: Treats”
I’ve been trying to think of a reward system type thing that operates like a video game. Like, if I eat a good breakfast, I unlock a health achievement, and if i write a certain amount I get a treat or a “productivity” achievement and then if I get a certain number of achievements in a day, I get a treat.
It’d be kind of fun, but I don’t know if it’s sustainable, or if it’s spending too much time putting together a system rather than writing
I love this idea! A quick version could use stickers (stationery!) for ‘achievements’.