Friday, January 21, 2011

DISTRACTIONS

I read Camy Tang's blog regarding her goal of writing (and accomplishing---go Camy) 18,000 words in 13 hours. Camy recommended eliminating distractions. 
She mentioned the clutter on her desk and the Internet.
A few days ago I reminded myself not to check my email for that very reason. One email leads to another and then I find myself on Facebook for whatever reason and then it's a half hour later. Now it's time to cook lunch for my hubby and me. Clean the kitchen, throw a load of clothes in the dryer and it's 3:00 in the afternoon.
I posted a blog several months ago about robbers of our time. 
Another problem for those of us who work at home are the friends who stop by occasionally to say hi. They know we are home. How can I be rude to that precious face on the other side of my door? How can I tell her I am up to my elbows in edits? Especially when editing is not my favorite thing to do anyway.
I'm asking myself this morning, am I disciplined enough to be a writer? 
Writing is for the self-disciplined. The determined and strong willed. 
What are your distractions and how do you cope? Do you lock yourself in your office? Hibernate?
I thought about putting a sign on the front door that reads, "if you want to clean my house, open the door and come on in." 

6 comments:

Carol J. Garvin said...

I've always said we can find time for the things we most want to do, or have to do. For me it's not so much discipline but determination. If there isn't an important deadline looming, however, it's very easy to get side-tracked, especially by this wonderful place called the Internet.

When it comes to visitors, I can usually make up the writing time later, but if I'm deep into something, I simply don't answer the door. It doesn't happen often, but I justify it to myself by remembering that if I were working at an office off site I wouldn't be there anyway.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I have so many interruptions it's hard to know where to begin. Husband, cats, dog, eagles, telephone, friends, sore bum, sore back, housework, hunger, pee-breaks. Okay, that was probably more than you wanted to know.

I do the best I can to stay on track. Some days it's easier than others. Some days I can't stand the dust bunnies or the dirty windows. I think the secret is to forgive myself when I do fall prey to distractions and to promptly get back to work.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol,
I know what you mean about the Internet, but I seem to be able to manage that. Whenever my hubby is home (not golfing) it's because he's not well. No matter what it is, my biggest fear is the cancer has returned. So I put everything else on hold. When he's well and "out of the house" :D---I try to "catch up". That's when I am worn out, and not disciplined enough----

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Joy,
I like your comment about "forgive yourself and get back to work"----that is exactly where I am. I also find myself prioritizing all day long.
Right now, I should be writing, but I'm off to take care of a sick friend---and so it goes!

Camy Tang said...

I'm glad you liked my post, Kathryn! I have to admit, I don't do those sorts of marathons often.
Camy

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Camy,
Thanks so much. You are an inspiration to me!
Hugs
Katt