Distractions are a part of everyone’s lives. Some you can choose to ignore. Others, like a schitophrenic Mother Nature on the warpath from all directions, demand your attention no matter what else is going on. The best defense you have depends on how prepared you are.
The suggestions in this post will help you maintain a productive perspective before, during, and after the squalls settle.
I now plan if I hear a storm is approaching so I can shift into alternative modes of production. I hope that the following 5 ideas help you get organized so you can sustain your productivity as a writer during the stormy distractions that you cannot control:
1. Be grateful and don’t waste a minute. If you have a house, if you’re warm tonight, if you can cook a meal, chat on your cell phone knowing you simply have to plug it in to charge it, if you’re able to take a shower, if you’re watching television while reading this article on your laptop, say thank you right now. If you complained about traffic today, got frustrated with delays, schedule complications, or computer problems, let it roll off and be grateful, as there are so many who cannot do the simplest of everyday tasks due to major weather disruptions.
2. Don’t dwell on it but accept that disasters of all proportions will happen. The best defense you have is in how much you prepare. Artisticpreneurs always have business chores to tackle that do not require a computer. If your electricity is zapped light some candles, pull out pen and paper, and let the ink flow. Touch up your list of goals, writing projects, and your weekly and monthly schedule. When things are crazy with deadlines, appointments, and phone calls it’s hard to fit in time for these items.
3. Something else that’s hard to handle on a daily basis is reading. Catch up on that tantalizing fiction novel, that folder of ‘to read’ business material, or choose a personal development article or book to strengthen your mindset during this challenge. People read by oil lamps and flickering light for many years. You can do it temporarily.
4. Dark, depressing, and dangerous situations can lead to fantastic creative output of expression. Your imagination may run wild with emotion as words and images pour from your right brain that must be shared to empower, educate, and entertain. Let them escape from your mind onto paper or a blank canvas. You may end up with something amazing and the act will help keep your mind off of what’s happening outside.
5. Insert batteries into a radio or CD player. Turn on a flashlight or just candles if that’s enough light. Straighten a room, a desk, do paperwork, filing, or clean the bathroom. We all have some tidying up that can be done. When you cannot get outside and have no access to computer toys what better time to whip out the dust cloths, mops, file folders, and labels. Action keeps your mind concentrating on the positive so you feel as if you’re making progress.
If you plan before hand you’ll be able to continue being productive throughout the storm and you’ll be much farther ahead of schedule when your world calms down, than if you allow that time to slip by without working.
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