This post is based on an item in my October Brainstorm & Focus Ebulletin. I thought it was worth revisiting specifically with writing in mind:
On his Logic+Emotion blog, David Armano wrote a post he called "Stop the insanity cycle." Here's what it said: "The thing about insanity cycles is this. You never realize you're in one until you're dangerously close to losing your sanity. But that's the perfect time to put an end to it. Insanity cycles aren't as rare as you think. Sometimes they are the repetitions of actions which lead us to destinations we don't want to be in. They could include:
- Trying to fix something that isn't fixable: if you worry that you should have started writing earlier in your life, or spend any energy regretting anything about your previous choices, that's energy you could be putting toward the present and future. Instead, let's think about the choices we can make right now to move ourselves toward where we want to be.
- Attempting to go through obstacles vs. going around them. Fed up trying to find an agent? There are other ways of getting attention for your work, including going directly to publishers if you write books, or making a short film if you're a filmmaker or screenwriter and getting attention for it online. Fed up with publishers who don't respond? Consider self-publishing. Every destination has more than one road leading to it. If you've worn a rut in one, it's time to try another
- Worrying about something that's out of your control. This is similar to the first item. The trick is telling the difference between what's in your control and what isn't. Generally, other people aren't! For instance, if your friends don't understand or don't respect how much writing means to you,add some new friends who do.
- Forgetting your limitations and the limitations of others. Be as kind to yourself, take breaks, and be patient with yourself. Also cut other people some slack. In case you haven't noticed, screwing up is the norm. We all make mistakes (yes, even you and I!) so to measure yourself or others against perfection results in stress and frustration. There's a helpful phrase for this that I keep having to learn over and over: "Inspect, don't expect."
In short, insanity cycles are much less about the insanity and much more about the cycle. Break the cycle and you stop the insanity."
What is your biggest challenge at the moment, perhaps one in which you feel stuck or at least not progressing the way you'd like to? Does one of the above apply? If so, what response would break the cycle?
