How Do You Handle Missing Your Writing Deadlines?
We all set writing goals, especially during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Some of us fall short of meeting the 50,000 words in 30 days goal. How we handle missing writing deadlines defines how we handle our career.
Early this November, I received a phone call from my in-law’s neighbor. My mother-in-law had just had a stroke and was being taken to the hospital by ambulance. My father-in-law couldn’t take care of himself, much less cope with the crisis.
We had to pack up everything, take the cockatoo to birdy camp, and leave for an extended stay in southern California. Once we were there, we had consultations with doctors, care options and facilities to tour, and my 93 year old father-in-law to care for.
Any idea of NaNoWriMo or any writing that wasn’t related to medication schedules, doctor’s appointments, or insurance policies went out the window.
I’m disappointed that I didn’t make my NaNoWriMo goal. However. I realize that at times I have to re-prioritize my writing. At times, your writing will have to be placed on the back burner. This year I am missing my writing deadline.
What can you do to keep from letting your guilt about not writing and missing deadlines from detracting from what you have to accomplish and derailing your writing over the long run?
- Take a deep breath
- Remember that the situation is temporary
- Know what is important in that moment
- Take care of yourself physically
- Make some time for yourself
We have to take some time for ourselves before we can be of service to others. I you can write during that time, great. If not, don’t add guilt to your stress factors.
Even if the situation stretches over a longer time period, you can establish routines and procedures to make your life flow easier. If you are missing your writing deadlines or other important task, check out Flylady. She can get your life back on track.
What do you do when your writing life gets off track and you miss your writing deadlines?
Write on,
Lynn Jordan
In the past I have thrown a hissy fit. These days, I take time with my kids and try to spend time with old friends doing a lot of laughing. A good long walk helps too. Then it is time to roll up my sleeves and see how much I can get done ignoring all dead lines. I just figure, everything will happen in God’s timing.
Thanks and many blessings.
I guess you just have to roll with it Lynn. Fortunately, family emergencies don’t happen too often. I’m kind of into numbers so I would figure out the words per day, remove the days I couldn’t write and then be satisfied it I made the new number.
I hope everyone is ok.