Today I made a goal of 4000 words, which is very close to my maximum single-day total. It’s also very achievable without distractions. Unfortunately, distractions can abound. Still, I did manage to put over 1000 words down. Ordinarily that would be considered a pretty good day, and by many writers. It’s a disappointment to me, yet it’s more than I’ve done in a few weeks. Momentum matters. (That phrase comes from my friend James Maxey, by the way.)
But what does it mean? I interpret it this way. If I write today, it makes it easier to write tomorrow. If I stop today, it makes it easier to stop tomorrow. This isn’t limited to writing by any means. It’s the same with exercise, with practicing a musical instrument, with a diet, with studying for math. It’s always easier to continue a streak than it is to start one.
In fact, my current writing streak is at three days, despite being only 1700 words into the project. Tomorrow, I need to finish the story or my writers group has nothing to discuss on sunday.
Deadlines are good for momentum.
