¡Take action!

In order to learn how to write, you must write a lot and the result could be terrible, mediocre, decent or exceptional. No matter how much thought you give to writing, you will only publish a book if you actually write it! You may even sign a contract based on a proposal, but – I repeat - you will only publish it if you finish the book.

This happens in every area of life. You won’t run a marathon unless you lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement. You won’t finish a college degree unless you sign up, go to class, study, write papers and take exams. You won’t get a job unless you write up your résumé and send it out, fill out applications and go to job interviews.  

You must take action. You can watch videos of people swimming or driving or doing anything else until your eyes water, but unless you swim or drive yourself, nothing will happen.

The lack of productivity is often a result of fear of failure. It’s something we writers deal with every time we sit at the keyboard.  We have to make a mental effort to convince ourselves that it’s ok to make mistakes writing, or pant while running or fail a test. The more you do, the better you will be at it and the greater your odds of achieving your goals.  

If you enjoyed this blog, like my Facebook page.

To know more about my work and my books: www.lorrainecladish.com

Nike Was Right! Just Do It! It Works!

Most people decide to lose weight, exercise, write a book, or anything else, and then they spend many hours, sometimes days, weeks, months and even years getting ready to start!

The result is often a garage filled with unused equipment, unread books, money wasted on workshops and dreams gone down the drain, plus a huge feeling of failure.

I suggest doing just the opposite. It´s always worked for me.

I make a note of my goal, and then I start taking steps to accomplish it. Once I´ve hit the road running, I search the resources available out there to improve my style, my output or my technique or whatever I need to work on. That´s how I approach the arts, sports, writing, work and more.

I don´t need the perfect running shorts to start running. I don´t need to have the perfect office space to write. I don´t even need to have money! I don´t need to know the perfect sketching technique to enjoy doing it.

If you don´t exercise, there is no style to improve or no routine to add on to. You can spend a lifetime talking about the book you will write and take a gazillion workshops. But you will have no craft to hone if you don´t well … write!

In a nutshell, this is the Just Do It tagline that Nike made so popular, but heck, it works!

So … Just Do It!

Do it imperfectly, do it little by little, do it when and how you can, but Do It!

Do it, and in one month, please check back and let me know what happened!

www.lorrainecladish.com

Running in the Rain

This morning I slathered on sunscreen before going out for my run. As I parked by the beach, I realized I wouldn´t need the sunscreen, since it was – all of a sudden - cloudy and raining (I live in Florida). So much for “waterproof sunscreen”, I thought, as I felt it sting my eyes when I set out to run in the rain. I had nothing to dry my eyes with other than my ponytail, which was soon drenched too.
As I trudged on, wet sand under my feet and pelting rain on my face making every step that much more difficult, I thought how easy it would have been to turn back. Short of a thunderstorm or illness, however, there are few things that will deter me when I am determined to go on a run.
I must explain I am not a daily runner, I don´t run marathons and I don´t train. I´m not a masochist or at least I don´t think I am. I run regularly because I´m hooked on endorphins and because I meditate better when in motion. I don´t count time or miles, I simply run, jog or shuffle, depending on the day, and make every breath count. I don´t always enjoy running, but I always enjoy having run. The same applies to my writing, by the way.
I realized today that by not even considering turning back because it rains, because it´s cold, because it´s hot, because it´s late or early is how, over the years, I have become true to myself. Running under the worst weather conditions has taught me that if I keep showing up regardless of the conditions, then one day – usually out of the blue - everything is perfect. The temperature is just right, the terrain is leveled, I am rested, in good spirits, and then it feels effortless and joyful.
Today, I was filled with satisfaction, with self-love and admiration, realizing that I do in fact walk the walk, or run the run, write the book … rain or shine, and that I apply it to every other aspect of life. This has helped me achieve things such as overcome a severe eating disorder and depression, end dysfunctional relationships, write and publish inspiring books and raise two great kids.

How do you figuratively keep on running in the rain?

http://www.lorrainecladish.com/