I’ve had a few days when I’ve gotten off track with my productivity, something that happens to many of us. The reasons for getting off track can be external (a new project that takes all of our attention, a personal or family issue, or getting burned out on overworking) or internal (writer’s block, bored of the work, etc…)
The question is how to get back on track. Here are a few things that can help:
I find these are great ways to get back on track. Every new piece of work you complete will bring you the inspiration to keep going.
The question is how to get back on track. Here are a few things that can help:
- Look at your overarching dreams/goals/vision. However you like calling them, they might need to be changed, or just remembered. Take a retreat to contemplate them. Bring pen and paper to a forest or other part of nature, or to somewhere away from your everyday life.
- Assess your current supports and self care. Do you have what you need in terms of support? Do you have enough and the right kind of self care? Do you need new supports? Maybe you are not tackling a project because you don’t have the right kind of information or you need advice from someone else.
- Bring structure. When you have not been taking care of tasks there can be a feeling of overwhelm from having too much on your plate. Maybe you will need a few intense working days (remember your self care though), but chances are you won’t be able to tackle everything that needs to be done in a few days. You need structure, and to re establish a working rhythm. Set days and times to tackle your work.
- Identify your "crack cocaine" and make a commitment to stop. Ok, I am not talking of actual crack cocaine here (unless it applies to you, though hopefully not). Do identify those things you do that you feel you just can’t stop doing that get in the way of your work. They will mess with your self care or with your work ethic.
I find these are great ways to get back on track. Every new piece of work you complete will bring you the inspiration to keep going.