What keeps you going? A question that seems deep and philosophical. Which it might be, but I have a slightly different question in mind. Maybe I am asking, what helps you stick with a routine, or a habit? How do I motivate myself to continue a project?
About 1 month ago, I started a post to reflect on my 6 months of blogging. I was very excited to state that I had been posting 3 times a week for 6 months, with two exceptions: when I went on vacation after working in the hospital. I didn’t have time to write multiple posts ahead of time, and didn’t have secure internet access to write while I was away.
Of course, as soon as I started the post, life got a little crazy: heavy work load, travel, the filing deadline for taxes. I just couldn’t keep up with my schedule, and since–as far as I can tell–no one else reads my blog, I just…stopped.
I stopped for a week, while I was away at the ACP. Well, maybe a day or two longer.
When I got back to writing, I wasn’t finishing well ahead of time, building in time to edit, and then scheduling publication a few days later. No. I was finishing posts at 9 pm, saying things like “Monday isn’t over yet.”
It doesn’t feel good, falling down on my project like that. Even if I’m the only one who will ever read my blog. (Maybe I should tell my family about it.)
I went back to my 6-month anniversary draft, and looked at this paragraph:
I’m very pleased that I have stuck with a publishing schedule (with some gaps around New Years). I’m the sort of person who needs a deadline, and apparently hates to break a streak. Setting a goal of publishing something (anything!) has kept me going.
I think it’s pretty clear: I need a deadline, and I like to keep up a victory streak.
Duolingo does this very well, giving me a deadline (practice before midnight!) and reminding me of my streak. They even send notifications that my streak is at risk.
I am writing Tuesday night, for publication Wednesday morning. This isn’t exactly a leisurely composition experience, but I feel better getting this done ahead of time.
I think I will be working harder at catching up/getting ahead on my writing, because I like feeling that I’m succeeding at this blogging thing. I’ll get right on my next article–after I do my Duolingo.