Taking Inventory

Apparently only 8% of people who make new year's resolutions are successful in achieving what they set out to do. How scary is that? As you may recall my new year's resolution is to write. Well, write more.

How am I doing?

Let's tackle the bad news first. My name is Anne and I'm addicted to social media. Being online still eats up a substantial portion of each day.

It begins with a mug of coffee at the computer. An hour (or more) zips by each morning while I check email accounts (I have 3), sign onto Facebook and Twitter, plus read posts by my favorite bloggers. Could I free up more time if I went offline? Of course. Will I? Time will tell. The jury's still out. Did I mention I have an addiction?

Next, the good news. On all but two of the past month I've pushed my chair away from the computer and found a nice quiet place to write. 

In the past I'd focus on word count and compare my output to other authors. Especially those deemed prolific. Go figure. At this point in my life I've learned to accept who I am and what works and what doesn't. I refuse to sabotage myself. Now, I just write. I do what I can, and let the other (negative) stuff go.

This slow, but steady approach is working. I feel a sense of achievement. Does that mean I'll share my total word count? Nope. Not yet. It's too early and I don't want to jinx it. ;-)

However, I will embrace every single glorious word because each is proof I'm still on track and doing what I set out to do...write. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to write. MORE!

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4 comments:

  1. Anne, your post made me smile. Social networking sure does take up a huge chunk of time - if we let it. As with any addiction, acknowledging that you have a problem is the first step! :)

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    1. I'm seriously working on my addiction, Pat, and while I have good days, there are others where I sit in front of the computer for hours on end. I'm determined not to beat myself up about it or throw down the gauntlet just yet.

      I. Will. Do. This!

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  2. It's amazing how the computer and social media can draw you in like a big box of chocolates... Sounds like you are doing well with your New Year's resolutions though and you haven't lost your gumption or inspiration. That's half the battle, isn't it? Keep up the good work!

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    1. Thanks, Diane! It IS a constant battle. Some mornings it's just TOO easy to turn on the computer and sit and read all of the blog posts and author advice that is floating continuously through cyber space, but other days I just can't tolerate the idea...and so I don't! Yes, that's half the battle and even if I'm winning half of the time, that's WAY more than 2012!

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