5 April 2010
by 
If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you know all-too-well about roadblocks. They come in many forms, shapes, and sizes – but we all have them.
For some of you, it’s roommates, husbands, wives, children, out-of-the-home jobs, or a myriad of other things.
For me, it’s getting lost in cyberspace, real-life stress, and trying to accomplish a gazillion things at once.
So many times, it’s easy to get frustrated, discouraged, and beaten down by these roadblocks, but you can find ways around them – or even through them.
And, sadly, as I mentioned in my previous post (Trashed By Traditionally-Published Authors) there are even times the roadblocks come from our own writing colleagues.
Life is full of distractions, of noise, of negativity, and people who want to see you fail. But you don’t have to bow beneath the weight of life’s pressures; you don’t have to prove them right!
If you’re serious about your writing, you’ll be creative in finding ways to succeed.
5 Ways to Plow Through Life’s Roadblocks
- Tune it out. Remember when you were a teen and turned a deaf ear to your parents’ endless “talks†and “speeches†or “rules†– yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Tap into that talent and use it in a positive way to fuel your writing dreams.
- Find your writing zone. A while back, I blogged about ways to find your writing zone. Once you’ve found it, amazing things happen. Keep looking; it’s there!
- Encourage yourself. Sometimes there is no one else to encourage you – so you just have to do it yourself! Post notes in places that you’ll come across each and every day. Any positive quote or inspiring message will add a glimmer of hope and help you keep chugging along.
- Steal away. When it gets to be too much and you can’t handle the loud chaos or someone’s negativity, steal away. If you have a laptop, sneak off to the park or a coffee shop. Even if it’s only for an hour or two, you’ll be able to focus on your writing and just breathe for a while. And if you don’t have a laptop, take old-fashioned paper and pen!
- Dig deep. You may not realize it, but there’s a reservoir of strength lying dormant, deep within your soul. Yes, it’s there. Trust me. Search for it and bring it to surface. Muster up all the motivation, courage, determination, and vision that you can. Hold on to it for dear life – don’t give up!
And don’t forget: You’re most significant relationship is with yourself. Nurture it. In doing so, you’ll be nurturing all areas of your life – and it will help you find the strength and determination to handle any roadblock life throws your way.
What is your biggest roadblock(s)? How do you climb over them – or plow through them?
Photo Credit: 06-10-08 © archives
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michele L. Tune. Michele L. Tune said: shares: "Writing Through Life's Roadblocks" – latest at WRA, by yours truly ( http://tinyurl.com/y8qs5zy ) via @laffarsmith's rockin' blog! [...]
HI Michele,
Lovely post! I especially agree…that life can really throw too many roadblocks at us. Working our way around them makes us stronger. And its in this strength that your true potential can come out.
The best point that resonated with me was #5…Digging Deep just works best for me. There is so much inside me, that sometimes even I am amazed when I sit to write….the pouring and flowing of words makes me realize this.
Michele sweetie…beautiful post as always
Much love,
Z~
Thanks so much, Z!
I definitely agree that you dig deep and find great strength and beauty within – your posts are evidence of that!!!!
And I think it’s fantabulous that you’ve compiled that beautiful e-book. I haven’t had time to download and read it yet, but I most certainly will do that soon!!!
Thanks for your encouraging words – and wisdom – sweet, Z!!!!
Hugs,
Michele
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Tropical Traditions Raw, Wild, Certified Organic Honey WINNER!!! =-.
“there’s a reservoir of strength lying dormant”….oh thank you for this. I was getting discouraged with something recently and I will tap into this. Lovely post! Thank you.
You’re most welcome, Farnoosh!! I’m so very honored that I could spark a flame of encouragement within your soul!!! And thank you for the kind words about my post – glad you enjoyed it!
Hugs,
Michele
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Tropical Traditions Raw, Wild, Certified Organic Honey WINNER!!! =-.
How true is this article. Writing needs a lot of calmness to our minds to come out of our chaotic surrondings to come up with our creative thinking. A lot of things goes through our mind. The thoughts change every second. To write is easy. But to write with a purpose and effectively is the most difficult part of it. With all this the other factor which is most important is the motivation. I read somewhere that motivation is like taking bath everyday. You need to motivate everyday to keep yourself going.
All you writers, Write what you think is Right.
Cheers,
Pradeep
Michelle, thank you for the thoughtful post. Interesting—I never think about roadblocks as coming from outside myself, but from within. It’s that negative inner voice that tells me I can’t do something. Or, perhaps worse, the one that tells me I’m just a squirrel, working hard and getting nowhere. I don’t listen to that negative voice. I’ve learned that’s all it is.
And so, I plow on, vision firmly in mind.
.-= Amber shares: Family Affairs =-.
[...] distractions can’t be avoided—especially if they’re life-related, but don’t let the Internet become a crutch for you to check out of reality or avoid your work. [...]