Entropy Central

Momentum Matters

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.

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