So this though!! Routine vs plans was actually a huge breakthrough for me recently. I've been struggling with writing all autumn, not for lack of ideas but like of...deciding ability I guess? But when I decided I don't have to have all my projects ideas perfectly planned and decided, instead my goal is just to work on *something* every day, that made all the difference. And then suddenly my motivation was back too. Love this idea. Good luck with everything in 2024!
Omg yes! DECIDING is always plaguing me. I hope the regular routine might help me get more clarity if i'm facing the projects everyday. Thanks for reading and happy new year!
I'm feeling very similarly. My two kids are older than yours so I think I just need them to return to school but I have all the same thoughts about the wider world and my work. Thanks for being so honest 💖
I have CUPBOARDS of inks!!! I love shimmer inks, i cant help myself haha but couldnt fogure out how to get more swooshy nibs. Your flex nibs post saved me!
I love that mermaid mom pic. Thanks for posting it again.
That planning and self help stuff backfires every time I try it. I've spent hours filling out the worksheets and setting up the system, only to have reality hit, or to be too exhausted from making (fantasizing about?) the plan to actually carry it out. "One day at a time" and "take it as it comes" is slow, but it's working.
I listened to an Uncanny story about an older woman who is a blacksmith, and fights the story monsters with a hammer. Wow, was that relatable.
Finally signed up, to let you know that I read your newsletter. It's always inspiring and I will try to focus on a routine, too. I hope you have a good start of the new year. <3
This is a really important point to keep in mind, thank you. Something new and awesome can definitely show up unexpectantly out of uncertainty. Who knows what surprises could be in store?! Happy new year!
Embrace routine! This is great advice, because when you keep an eye open for opportunities, you’ll realize that is better if everything else is chugging along instead of “agh! I could do this cake but didn’t bought eggs!”
I've set a few goals for 2024, but who knows how much I'll get done on them. But tiny progress is still progress, so if I only get 1 chapter written on a story, it's more than I had at the start of the year. Still, I don't trust 2024 at all. Not after 2023.
So this though!! Routine vs plans was actually a huge breakthrough for me recently. I've been struggling with writing all autumn, not for lack of ideas but like of...deciding ability I guess? But when I decided I don't have to have all my projects ideas perfectly planned and decided, instead my goal is just to work on *something* every day, that made all the difference. And then suddenly my motivation was back too. Love this idea. Good luck with everything in 2024!
Omg yes! DECIDING is always plaguing me. I hope the regular routine might help me get more clarity if i'm facing the projects everyday. Thanks for reading and happy new year!
I'm feeling very similarly. My two kids are older than yours so I think I just need them to return to school but I have all the same thoughts about the wider world and my work. Thanks for being so honest 💖
Thanks so much! Haha cheers to back to school!
Thanks for the shout out :) I also feel like next year feels super uncertain, so this is relatable
Glad i'm not alone!
Ah thanks for the shout out!! I love fountain pens, and once I found some nibs I liked, it was game over (because now I could also buy all the inks!!)
I have CUPBOARDS of inks!!! I love shimmer inks, i cant help myself haha but couldnt fogure out how to get more swooshy nibs. Your flex nibs post saved me!
While reading this I added a new art goal for 2024.
I guess I did not get the memo 🤣
Once again Happy new year! 😁
Lol Im not against setting goals, i'm just not setting any for me this year. I wish you all the best with yours! Happy new year
I love that mermaid mom pic. Thanks for posting it again.
That planning and self help stuff backfires every time I try it. I've spent hours filling out the worksheets and setting up the system, only to have reality hit, or to be too exhausted from making (fantasizing about?) the plan to actually carry it out. "One day at a time" and "take it as it comes" is slow, but it's working.
I listened to an Uncanny story about an older woman who is a blacksmith, and fights the story monsters with a hammer. Wow, was that relatable.
Uncanny has the best stories!!!! Happy new year to you!
Finally signed up, to let you know that I read your newsletter. It's always inspiring and I will try to focus on a routine, too. I hope you have a good start of the new year. <3
Thanks so much for being here! Best of luck with your routine, here's to a super creatively productive 2024! :)
Happy New Year! It does feel like next year will be filled with uncertainty, but maybe there’s hope in that that something new will come along
This is a really important point to keep in mind, thank you. Something new and awesome can definitely show up unexpectantly out of uncertainty. Who knows what surprises could be in store?! Happy new year!
Embrace routine! This is great advice, because when you keep an eye open for opportunities, you’ll realize that is better if everything else is chugging along instead of “agh! I could do this cake but didn’t bought eggs!”
oh my gosh, yes! Opportunities! If you've got projects constantly developing, then you're ready to seize them as they come at you, i love this!
Great column. Cheers!
Thanks for reading!
Just saw this mention - thank you for that, my friend! ❤️
🥰 Can't wait to see what you create this year!
I've set a few goals for 2024, but who knows how much I'll get done on them. But tiny progress is still progress, so if I only get 1 chapter written on a story, it's more than I had at the start of the year. Still, I don't trust 2024 at all. Not after 2023.
Tiny progress! Yes! Thats the whole goal of my routine. Wishing you great progress for 2024 🥰