The Truth of the Matter Is…

When I jumped back into writing after a five-year hiatus, I rarely took breaks. I convinced myself that success meant I had to plow forward no matter what.

Well, the truth of the matter is… 

When we do this, we risk burnout. 

Writers should—must—take breaks or accept premature defeat. We weren’t created to work 24/7 without recharging our batteries for a time or sometimes for a season.

I changed the way I did some things, altered my schedule, and pressed on full steam ahead—again.

Same goals, different plan. A plan that was less intensive and one that included more down time.

When I sensed the familiar weight of expectation, exhaustion, and restlessness, I recommitted to (a) more breaks and (b) more mini-rewards.

I’m a driven soul—one of those passionate creatives who hates to stop anything in midstream. I’ll plow away for hours to meet a goal, finish my word count, or write a blog post.

I know.

But that’s how I’m wired.

I refuse defeat and resist idleness. (Noble characteristics in the grand scheme of things, but traits kept in proper perspective when they pertain to adequate rest and relaxation.)

So…

How do we hit the reset button? How do we keep from falling into the same old, well-intentioned rut?

Obviously, it helps to have a plan.

One of the biggest time-sucks (albeit fun and necessary to a degree) is social media.

Ohh, how I love social media—especially Facebook and Twitter. I like checking in with friends and staying in the know. BUT for me—I’ve come to realize that it’s just silly to waste all day on those mediums when I could best use those productive hours elsewhere. Say, for instance, on actual writing.

I still build minutes into my day to pop on and off social media.

Also, I’ve added some perks during my work schedule to reward myself for effort expended.  If you follow me on Twitter, you know I sometimes joke about my morning jolt of java. (Except it’s really not a joke. I do like my coffee.)

Because I’m health-focused, I don’t drink the entire pot, but I certainly would if I weren’t worried about it robbing the much-needed calcium from my bones.

I generally follow a routine. Two cups of coffee in the morning and one in the afternoon just after lunch. (Sometimes, I’ll brew a pot of tea just to vary my routine.)

I also have another hidden pleasure… I like chocolate with my coffee. Usually, one or two Doves candies do nicely, but occasionally, I’ll splurge and open up a supersize box of Junior Mints.

And yes, I realize chocolate contains caffeine so I don’t over-indulge.

I’m disciplined about it.

(By the way, did you know that 16 Junior Mints have 170 calories? That’s why I measure out 16 of the decadent sweet treats when I have them with my coffee. See? I’m intentional about it. *wink*)

Since I drink my coffee black, with no sugar or creamer, I think my little chocolate reward is the least I can do for myself.

Like with anything in life, we need to find what works for us (within reason and using common sense) and something that will help us get the job done. In my case, that’s writing—with a little help from my coffee mug and a wee bit of chocolate.

Discovering those little pleasures that aid productivity is what enhances the process. And knowing when to take breaks is key.

After our break or time off, we’ll sense when we need a kick-start—whether that be to our day or with a particular project. Stepping back from work for a while sharpens our focus and improves productivity.

It’s important to have things that recharge us and set us back on the right course.

It might be something as simple as coffee, a meaningful passage of scripture, or wise words from a friend. It’s something that propels us forward and motivates us to keep on keepin’ on.

Our motivators should never be self-indulgent, harmful, or addictive. Those defeat our purpose and distort our vision.

A little coffee and chocolate are one thing (well, two things) that motivate me throughout the day. I set limits on the amount of each so they don’t control my day.

Regarding our breaks, it’s important we evaluate why they work for us:

 

• Do they enhance productivity?

 

• Do they promote well-being?

 

• Are they conducive to a positive mindset?

 

• Will they influence the desired outcome?

 

Our motivators can be something as simple as coffee and chocolate or as detailed as a twelve-step guide to blogging.

There’s no iron-clad set of rules.

Whatever works, whatever’s legal, and whatever reduces the stress of intense testing are individual preferences.

In a few weeks, I’ll coordinate a week off from work with my daughter’s spring break.

It may mean additional time off from blogging and limited activity on social media.

I’ll give, but I’ll also take a little more me time.

It’s the smart thing to do.

Writing is a competitive field, but we can’t control God’s timing. The world won’t stop spinning because we pause for a while.

Certainly, in God’s eyes—time is relative anyway.

And because the truth of the matter is…

When we take that to heart, that’s when God moves.

Often in a big way.

And always, according to plan.

***

PLEASE SHARE

In a work-related rut? Well, snap out of it! Here’s why.

(Click to Tweet)

Lost focus? Maybe it’s time to rethink your work schedule.

(Click to Tweet)

________

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY

Why Your Time Matters

Will You be My Friend? The Delicate Dance of Social Media

A Writer’s Gardening Guide to Surviving and Thriving: Five Practical Tips

***

Three cheers for a break-filled day!

Much Love and Many Blessings,