I find stepping away from the machine, but still thinking about what you want to write away from the dominance of the screen is a good way to stay connected to work without putting yourself in a pressure cooker.
I know when I have a challenging task I usually tackle that in the first part of my day because I know by early afternoon my mind is not as focused and sharp. I used to beat myself up but now I know I have about a 4 hour windows.
What is very frustrating for me is the constant fatigue from my Parkinson's because even simple tasks can take me longer and I know that it is not because I don't want to but I have to pace myself. I also have the hand tremors that make it challenging also.
Thankfully my cognitive issues might be a little slower later in the day, I do things to keep my mind working even if it just a simple scrabble game on my phone.
My tank can feel drained quickly but I have to do the harder tasks earlier and realize that it might take me longer to do something but I can't beat myself up about it.
Yep our tanks shrink as we get older - hence King aiming for 1,000 words a day rather than 2,000.
I used to think I could just go, go, go but it's just not possible. Much of my work involves being creative and I write a lot. But once I start to tap out... it's over!
And I can imagine your Parkinsons plays a big role too. I have a very dear friend who has health issues that also limit how much she can get done each day. We have to work with the hand we're dealt. Which can be incredibly frustrating at times!
Thanks for the shout-out, Rich — totally agree on this, and glad my book helped you think it through.
My pleasure man! We share the same fascination :)
I find stepping away from the machine, but still thinking about what you want to write away from the dominance of the screen is a good way to stay connected to work without putting yourself in a pressure cooker.
Yes this is a habit I need to get into! I spend too much time at my laptop!
I think maybe my health challenge is to teach me patience which is a lesson I am always learning.
I love Stephen King too. I have not read some of his latest books but I need too.
You are so very welcome Rich!
Thank you for sharing this way of thinking Rich!!
I know when I have a challenging task I usually tackle that in the first part of my day because I know by early afternoon my mind is not as focused and sharp. I used to beat myself up but now I know I have about a 4 hour windows.
What is very frustrating for me is the constant fatigue from my Parkinson's because even simple tasks can take me longer and I know that it is not because I don't want to but I have to pace myself. I also have the hand tremors that make it challenging also.
Thankfully my cognitive issues might be a little slower later in the day, I do things to keep my mind working even if it just a simple scrabble game on my phone.
My tank can feel drained quickly but I have to do the harder tasks earlier and realize that it might take me longer to do something but I can't beat myself up about it.
Love your Substack Rich!!
Thanks so much Gary!
Yep our tanks shrink as we get older - hence King aiming for 1,000 words a day rather than 2,000.
I used to think I could just go, go, go but it's just not possible. Much of my work involves being creative and I write a lot. But once I start to tap out... it's over!
And I can imagine your Parkinsons plays a big role too. I have a very dear friend who has health issues that also limit how much she can get done each day. We have to work with the hand we're dealt. Which can be incredibly frustrating at times!
Thanks for the comment!
Rich