I used to play guitar and write songs in college. I’d fiddle around with a new tune or chord progression and play it over and over. Then some words would start to form in my head. I’d sing along with the chords and the verses would flow out of me. I’d scramble to find a pen and paper and write as fast as I could so I didn’t lose anything. I’d keep playing until I had it memorized. Inspiration would arise and within minutes a fully formed song would come to life.
This is an amazing and rewarding process if anyone reading has experienced it. It makes you feel alive. But inspiration suddenly striking isn’t an accurate picture of what goes on in these sessions.
I practiced guitar constantly. I played every morning and during the day and late into the night. I made it a routine to play whenever I could. I played between classes. I played after classes. As much as I could I played. I also wrote poetry regularly and was used to writing in verses. All that practice set the stage to be able to get deep into my work and to create something seemingly in the spur of a moment. The tap was always open.
What I’m trying to do with this blog is similar. I want to see if I can be disciplined and purposeful in my writing. Practice all the time. That’s why I’ve set the goal to post once a day. I don’t know yet what the end goal is but I know that I want to develop my voice and share my thoughts with others. Maybe to help them. Or make them laugh. Or make them feel less alone. Or maybe I want those things for myself.
By writing every day I’m hoping to set the stage to write something that matters. To make something in my own words. And I write more than just what I post publicly. I have a plethora of unposted thoughts, ideas, and run-on sentences in my drafts folder. I’m writing every day. Consistently. For a year. It’s the only way I’ll know if I enjoy writing. Or if I have something worth sharing. And the best way for me to really push through my ambiguity and define my goals clearly.
How do you set the stage for your best work to be done?
Thanks for reading.
