Embracing Tomorrow: A Gentle Approach to Writing and Life
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Chapter 1: The Struggle of Writing
When I face difficulties in writing, I remind myself that tomorrow is another chance. This isn't about putting things off; it's about understanding my process.
It's amusing how harsh we can be towards ourselves. I manage a one-person business, create content online, and spend considerable time commuting for my full-time job. When I'm home, family obligations and a rumbling stomach often vie for my attention. What about the 8km run I promised myself? My legs are ready to move, my body urges me onward! Yet, my mind starts to interfere.
"Don't forget that unfinished article draft!"
And I ponder, what about it?
The Intrigue of Time and Timezones
Time and its complexities never cease to captivate me. I don’t adhere to strict schedules or clock-punching; it’s just not my style. However, I do have obligations that I feel compelled to meet, which often leads to a lengthy list of reminders. Many who glance at my phone might label me a procrastinator, but I rarely respond. I have tasks to tackle, constantly weighing my options and making choices.
Sometimes, the Goddess of Time helps me decide, while other times, it’s the influence of time zones. Imagine it’s now 8 PM. My incomplete article looms over me, nagging for completion. After a quick shower, the clock strikes 8:30, and I know I need to choose my next action. In Singapore, it’s already 8 AM in New York, where the financial markets are about to open in just 1.5 hours. I wish to trade and assess my positions, but my article still hovers in the background.
I opt to get ready for the market instead. It’s a choice, plain and simple—doing A now and B later. Yes, I can be a procrastinator, but with so many demands in life, it's often unavoidable.
Creating Breathing Space
Many of us trap ourselves in a cycle of relentless routines. It’s puzzling why we do this, as life is often more complicated than it seems. If you consume online content, you may be bombarded with advice to rise early, write more, automate everything, and maximize productivity. Initially, I found such messages motivating; now, they often pass me by.
These recommendations are not inherently wrong; they represent one of many lifestyles. We can choose to follow, disregard, or carve our own path. Personally, I thrive when I work at my own pace. Motivation is a fluctuating force—sometimes high, sometimes low.
We are not machines.
For me, my essential tasks include:
- Converting leads
- Conducting workshops
- Preparing client pitches
- Visiting clients
- Demonstrating software to prospects
- Trading in financial markets
- Going for daily runs
- Writing articles
This list isn’t exhaustive, and I acknowledge that working parents face even more challenges. Time, rather than desire, often becomes the limiting factor. We don’t need to accomplish everything in a single day. Instead, we can achieve something each day. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and we can accomplish our goals, but not all at once.
This principle applies to writing as well. There’s no urgent deadline forcing us to write. Why strain ourselves to produce content when the timing isn’t right? It’s perfectly acceptable to plan for tomorrow. As long as we maintain a writing routine, we can build an impressive online portfolio over time.
It's important to remain flexible. You may require an extra day or two to finalize your work, and that’s completely fine. Progress is still progress.
Avoiding Burnout
The true enemy is burnout. I have experienced it firsthand, and it drains my energy. Even simple tasks, like writing a sentence, can feel insurmountable. I’ve escaped that cycle, and I refuse to return.
In a way, postponing tasks to tomorrow can be beneficial. Perhaps I’ll have even better ideas then.
The Conclusion
Life often interrupts our plans. When it does, we must be gentle with ourselves. Many perceive the internet as a pathway to entrepreneurship or financial independence, and while it can be a viable route, it requires patience.
Rushing can lead to burnout, which is a steep price for fleeting ambition.
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