I am a fan of little victories; accomplishing small successes on the way to, perhaps, an eventual grand peak.
However, "grand peak" seems so finite, so maybe I'll change that to "a specific, attained point, while still scaling the mountain, more height to claim." Confused? Instead of muddying the point here, let me backtrack to let you know what I mean -- even if you already "get it." I once wrote a 192-page novel. It was for my eyes only, I never showed it to anyone, nor did I attempt to pitch it to an agent. I wrote it for me, because it was something I needed and wanted to do at the time. I didn't embark in NaNoWritMo fashion, seeking to write 50,000 words in a month and complete a first draft. Published authors have done this -- written a book per month -- and many prospective novelists engaging in the annual November writefest have succeeded in the venture, and I applaud them. What I did was, for a good period, write 1 page per day which, after a while, grew to 2 pages per day. The first draft was completed in just about 3 months, "completed" a very key word here. As a writing coach, I have told people in workshops and individually that, to have true "feel good" you must complete something. If not, languishing in the back of your mind is "that book I never finished (or wrote)." How many times have I heard a statement like that? Well, I've run out of fingers and toes to count with. Carve it down into smaller writing sessions and you might finish the manuscript. Add in firm commitment and you will. This topic relates to my current life and health. Throughout 2017, I had embarked on a (for me) strenuous workout program. So challenging was it that, many times, I failed to complete workouts and, as a result, incomplete regimens and intake of junk and processed food partnered, lowering my esteem but increasing my midsection and cholesterol. So, I emailed my health coach, and told her, "when I switched from 3-set to 5-set strength training workouts, I found I was not only NOT completing a full workout, but that I was canceling the workout. However, when I performed 3-set workouts, 99% were completed with complete focus, and I didn't approach them with chagrin. So, I have reverted back to the 3-set regimen." She approved my method, adding that avoiding discouragement and making little gains makes sense. And, if the time was right, I could return to 5-sets Well, as part of my 2018 goals (I don't refer to them as "resolutions") I have embarked on the 3-set workouts, completing them and jotting down my thoughts, and at the same time eating smaller, healthier meals per day. The result has been focused and finished workouts, a thinner frame and a better outlook. An important element to all of this is evolution; growth. I can better ask myself, "Okay, mission accomplished. What's next?" Heavier weight per set, increased sets? And for writers of those novels, hopefully completed and perhaps awaiting transport: are you game to self-publish? Maybe query an agent (or two), or start another work that rests inside of you and "needs escape" and appearance on pages? Little victories lead to satisfaction, lessening fear, progression to greater challenges, and more little victories. Embracing all of that should be part of life, making existence more satisfying. And that's the BIG victory. Steve
2 Comments
Stef
1/20/2018 12:27:43 pm
Very nice blog post! Very inspirational! :-D
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Steve
1/21/2018 07:28:34 pm
Thank you!
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Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
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