Weather Woes = Less Motivation???

by

Dave Amaditz 

All right. It's wintertime in western Pennsylvania. Normally, it's a recipe for depression. Gray skies, rain, and cold are what we wake up to most of the time. But this winter has been a bit different. We've had plenty of sunshine, above average temperatures and virtually no snow.

So why have so many people I've spoken to told me they feel achy, tired and unmotivated to do anything?

I remind them of something we used to say when I was involved in sports, particularly as a runner getting ready to tackle one of the large hills on a particular course.

"The hills are in your head," we used to say.

What does that mean? And how does that apply to writing?

Obviously, the hills didn't just disappear because we said they weren't there. Your mind is a very strong tool, however. If you can overcome the mental blocks you establish whenever an obstacle is put in front of you things in life become much easier.

Take elite athletes for example. Most of them are graced with pretty much the same amount of talent. It's their work ethic and willingness to overcome the mental obstacles that puts them, and keeps them at the top.

So how can you as a writer overcome the blues and lack of motivation? Imagine that the hills or whatever obstacle is in front of you, are only in your head. Think of yourself as an elite athlete. Train harder and work harder than your competition. This will be your reward...

I recently spoke with a writer friend. She told me two things... After years of bad news on the publication front and nearly giving up writing she has landed an agent and a book deal.

How's that for overcoming the blues?