Time once again for the Insecure Writers Support Group. Today I have a huge confession to make, I am a scatterbrain. Easily distracted and just as easily bored, I find myself moving from one project to another. Nothing seems to hold my attention for very long, part of me might even be afraid of being consumed if I commit to one thing. Does this sound familiar? Most creative people, I believe, have indulgent personalities. When something does catch my attention, it is hard to pull away from it, and when it ceases to be interesting I have no problem putting it away and moving on to something else. In one sitting I can watch a whole TV series, read an entire book, finish a painting, eat a whole bag of chocolates, finish a bottle of wine, or drink a pot of coffee. Not all of these things at once, mind you, but doing things half way is not my style. This can be both good and bad, depending on what kind of results you are after.
When it comes to writing, I am as far removed from this world as possible. I live the words, I breath the words and I dream them at night. Everything else is annoying and irritating, much to the dismay of my family, daily chores and food fall in that category. Locking myself away in a remote cabin with my writing tools sounds like heaven to me. Since that is not possible, and the business of living outside of obsessions is necessary, I need to focus. As a writer it is easy to get distracted and to lose focus on the story you are trying to tell. A pretty new idea might temp you in a different direction and get you lost. Focus on the road you set off on, because if you take too many detours you will never get to where you were going in the first place. Then again, you might get someplace even better. See my problem? I need focus, but somehow it eludes me. Does it do the same thing to you? Do you have some secret "Focus" formula? If so, please share.
Now that I have finished the last chocolate from the bag, it's time to get back to work. Have a great hump day and try to stay focused.
12 comments:
Oh how I can identify with this. Having to work at a day job breaks up my concentration on what I am writing. I think I need calm - but then the calm bores me and I start some other task which ends up frustrating me and then I need calm.After 2 or 3 calm cycles I read a book or watch a movie, fall asleep and have to go back to work. I tell myself I'm an artist....
I know what you mean. I can be totally focused or totally scattered. It's like a switch. I don't have a formula, but I've been trying to make sure I complete the things I don't like, for example, ironing. I hate it, but it has to be done so I tell myself I can't do something else until it's finished. I feel like such a child.
yes i feel that focus when i am inspired to write--enjoy that last chocolate!
I'm scatterbrained too. I'm always switching priorities. Ugh. Have a good hump day. Go buy more chocolate.
I am exactly the same! The only thing that can keep me focussed are deadlines but generally only if I am doing something for someone else's benefit. I will be watching the comments on this post for good tips too.
Oh my I too share your pain in this. I have attention deficit w/o meds. :)
Wow, this...this really hit home. I too tend to be scattered at times and hyper-focused at others - and I SO think of daily life as an irritation! Forced discipline is the only way I manage to get through the have-tos in a semi-passable manner. I make lists when I'm extra scattered, with writing as my big carrot when everything's crossed off.
I'm so scatter brained lately it's not even funny! I can't seem to get everything done I used too. Sigh. If you find the miracle cure let me know!
Great post! I lose focus all the...wait what was I saying? oh yeah all the time!
Putting headphones in and listening to music helps me a little but then my kids are always trying to talk to me. :)
Do you distract yourself sometimes?
When I need to focus I can. Just ask my wife!
I can usually stay focused if I want to... I think it's all in the breathing, and Yoga can help you out a lot!
Nice post!
I found your blog on Alex's First Love blog hop.
Am now a follower :)
Jay
jacopopaoloni.blogspot.com
Great post, and the ultimate writer's dilemma. For what it's worth, here are my thoughts. I have learnt to focus and write 'on demand' because I only get a few short hours every day where the kids are away and the hosue is quiet.
So, two things help. One is that I am a detailed plotter and I have a meticulous outline for each chapter or section of the plot, precisely so that I can pick up where I left and write in little pieces. Not always easy, but the outline helps.
And two, over the years I have developed what work psychologists call a 'peak performance ritual', a series of steps that mentally set me up for writing. Eg, after the school run I hang out the laundry, shuffle through some papers, fluff around for a while, sigh and hum and ha a lot, make a cup of tea, have a second breakfast (all of this in 30 minutes). Then I straighten out my outline on the table, switch on the computer and put on my glasses. Off I go. I used to think that it's all a big waste of time, but apparently that's 'my' routine for kickstarting my brain, allowing myself to start thinking about writing for a few minutes before I sit down. Does that make sense? XX
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