Finding Your Zone
As a writer it is essential to find the zone each and every day if you want to get anything done at all. Distractions at home and online are mainly responsible for procrastination, and unless we learn to switch them off we will struggle to get things done. I noticed yesterday how easy it is to find my zone when I’m working in my mobile office.
I enjoy my mobile office tremendously because it lets me switch off to the rest of the world and get things done with efficiency. What would usually take me double the time at home takes me barely half of it when I’m working at the beach.
In the last few months my birds have actually managed to drive me mad on more than one occasion. It seems they are currently eternally horny and want nothing else than to multiply themselves. As you can imagine, having already a sizable amount of them at home doesn’t contribute toward a peaceful work environment, therefore I choose to go mobile more often than not these days.
Escaping typical distractions
It isn’t always easy to get off my butt and pack things up to head out, even if it’s just a couple of things I need. Sometimes I find myself too comfortable at home which is dangerous because I tend to become a hermit.
I enjoy being in my own four walls and especially on our lovely veranda with views into the garden. It is very peaceful and the green helps to fight my stress levels when the birds are especially naughty. But having said this, I love them dearly and couldn’t imagine being here without them. They are my little buddies who keep me company while I work.
If you find it hard to get into the zone at your home you might need to find alternatives as well. Perhaps you could head out to your local coffee shop or the mall. I find that by removing myself from the source of distraction I usually relax immediately anyway.
Discipline is a must
I love being in the zone because my mind allows itself to work distraction-free. Another good way to get things done at home is to log off the Internet altogether. Switch off email, Skype and everything else and you will get so much more done.
Afterward you can reward yourself for having been diligent by allowing half an hour “play time”. During that time you can do whatever you like without feeling guilty.
Disciplining myself like this has helped me concentrate on the tasks at hand while getting things done over the last couple of years.
It isn’t easy but persistence pays
It wasn’t easy to be strict with myself, but through trial and error I learned what works for me and what doesn’t.
You might need a different set of discipline altogether. Just remember, there will always be one sort of pain in life.
You either suffer the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret – Jim Rohn
It’s your choice. Make the most of it.
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Matthew Stibbe | Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
Good quote. I’m making that my motto, just as soon as I’ve finished reading all these blogs, made some tea, played Civilisation a bit and … oh! … regret
Writer Dad | Apr 18, 2009 | Reply
I’ll take the pain of discipline any day. The pain of regret lasts a lot, LOT longer.
Monika | Apr 18, 2009 | Reply
@ Matthew: Phew your day sounds fully booked, hehehe… but kidding aside, the quote is one of my favorites. I love everything by Jim Rohn, he is a very wise man indeed.
Monika | Apr 18, 2009 | Reply
@ WD: You are so right Sean. I also choose the pain of discipline but admit that there are parts in my life where I suck at this big time. At least I’m trying each day.
Venkat | Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
Discipline, now what is it, where can I get it, how much it costs, can I pay in installments…. Please reply ASAP
Venkat | Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
I don’t think I have ADHD but inability to pay attention (mild ADHD) was my problem which was useful when I was writing stories (not in English). Lack of attention due to continuation of thoughts (bombardment of thoughts) actually helped me in writing stories and creating plots but failed me in every other aspect of life. Meditation is helping me to find some attention and discipline, believe me it is very hard for people like me.
This is one of the best posts by you Monika. It really made me think a lot…..no not that thousands of thoughts which bombard every minute
, this is voluntary.
Working from beach, that’s what living is present is about…. I envy you.
Thanks for the post.
Monika | Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
@ Venkat: Hahahaha…. you crack me up with your humor.
Hmmm, let me think… oh yeah try your core…
Monika | Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
@ Venkat: Why thank you very much. I love to get the braincells of my readers working because we absolutely must challenge ourselves all the time. If we don’t we die a slow death living. Hope this makes sense.
As for the envy, you know, I’ve worked hard to attain this. I grew up in Europe and had no beach. I just went for my dreams including sweat, tears, frustration and every other feeling you could possible have when things are damn hard. But in the end, I’ve made it and that’s all the matters when I look back. To say it was worth every negative thought and emotion is an understatement.
Rowe | May 19, 2009 | Reply
‘Sometimes I find myself too comfortable at home which is dangerous because I tend to become a hermit’ – this is me to a tee. I like being at home more than going out and have to force myself to go out for the sake of my 2yo daughter.
Monika | May 28, 2009 | Reply
@ Rowe: Yep, we are hermits in disguise by the sounds of it. However, I also have to add that once I’m out and about I love it and condemn myself for not doing it more frequent. But such is life and we can only try to increase our outings. Thanks for your input and stopping by.