Recently, I’ve been juggling my time between three important daily responsibilities. I have a freelance project with a deadline coming up fast, this blog, and work on my novel – I normally try to put in at least 1,000 words a day, but because of the project I’ve reduced it to 500 words so that I don’t drive myself crazy (short trip, I know).
So, I had an insane little victory on Saturday – I wrote 3,000 words in one sitting. I would have gotten out more, too, if I didn’t feel the pangs of guilt for ignoring my family.
I didn’t think much about being that prolific at first. In fact, I didn’t think about it at all until a couple of hours later. I realized that’s the most I’ve ever written in a day. Ever. I could knock off for the next day or two if I wanted! I wouldn’t, I won’t, but I could.
Recognize the little successes
I think it’s important that we recognize the little successes, no matter how small they may seem at first. Every victory, every step forward in the process should be acknowledged. Those 3,000 words weren’t there the day before. Each is a step forward is its own microcosm of experience.
Make sure you always write down your victories in a journal or work log so that you can recall them later. Those spikes in productivity give us hints of triggers for greater efficiency and motivation. They also remind us when we were just plain excited about something we were working on and that’s nice to remember, too!
Do you have a time when you were pleasantly surprised about how much you were able to get done on a project? Tell us about the project and what made your productivity soar.
Skinny Grey Dog 