That Does It, Mister. You’re Getting a Time Out!

From: http://www.sodahead.com/music/1991-1997-favorite-song-of-these/question-419809/?link=ibaf

Oh, man. What parent hasn’t uttered those words at one point or another? When the little one is literally bouncing off the walls and out of control a time out works wonders. It allows the little tornado the chance to sit and reflect on their actions and perhaps gain a new perspective before they head on down the road of their next tirade.

So, how are you doing? Do you need a time out? Do you wish that someone would put you in the corner and set a timer for 5 minutes?

Let’s face it. Sometimes our writing lives are spinning so fast we can barely keep up. Project deadlines loom, grumpy or demanding phone calls are fielded and at times it is way too much. I’ve felt like I was bouncing off the walls before. I’ve felt like it was all too much and I really could not see a way out.

Please consider this to be permission to give yourself a time out.

When I reach the point that I know I’m not going to be able to juggle it all much longer, I give myself a time out. Sometimes it’s just a day where I say, “You know what?  Screw this.  I’m goin’ fishing.” Guess what. The work is still there when I return, but now I have a whole new perspective. My batteries are charged and I’ve got a “bring it on” attitude.

Sometimes more than a day is needed. I’ve been there too. I’ve taken as much as a week where I’ve barely opened the laptop. It hurts financially and the folks over at VISA are tres unhappy with me when I pull such a stunt. Life goes on though, and I know I’ll recover.

It’s important for you to know that when you are checking out, you don’t need a lengthy letter of explanation and excuse to every client. A short notification to clients is enough. Don’t even do a blog post about it. Nothing is more boring or irritating than a post whereby a person lists all of the reasons they are going away (or have been away for that matter). No excuses! Just do it! If you’re going to take Vienna then take Vienna!

Taking time to reflect, recharge and relax will move you much more forward in your writing then will 18 hour days filled with caffeine and nicotine (I prefer like, 5 or 6 hour days filled with caffeine and nicotine). You are going to find that when you return from your hiatus your vision for projects will be much more clear and you will be ready to take on most any challenge that presents itself.

I am curious to know. How many of you have just disappeared off the writing radar for a while? Where there any long term consequences? Were you in a better place to write when you returned? Oh, and how many points did your credit score drop?

Posted by:  George