Commit to the process (not the destination)

Writing can be hard work.

Really hard.

There are so many people who say they would like to write a book, but never manage it. Like almost everything in life, there is no magic bullet to solve the problem.

Image of a mountain path

An old proverb tells us that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But taking only a single step will never complete the journey. If we want to reach our destination we must commit to taking the next step.

Whether we speak of improving our health, our marriage or even doing something like writing a book, it’s not the one-off decision that will see results. It is the daily commitment to the process that matters. Small, simple choices each day make the difference.

Commit to taking the next step.

Books are not written; words are. One word at a time. Words join to form a sentence. Sentences come together as paragraphs, which in turn give rise to chapters and chapters make books.

But always one word at a time.

I have the desire to write yet I find there are so many other things to do. It isn’t easy for me. The discipline of sitting down to write is painful, yet without it I have nothing.

Sometimes the very act of going public with our struggles provides the impetus to overcome them. By declaring our own failures we invite the support of those who see us for what we are, to stand alongside and cheer us on. Now I’m doing just that.

This month I decided to join the many people that have committed to write just 500 words per day for a month. It’s not much really. Anyone can write 500 words when they have the inspiration. But not everyone does. Especially not every day. My commitment is to write every day, whether I feel like it or not.

Now it’s your turn. What do you want to achieve over the next year? What habit do you need to develop? What do you need to commit to doing every day to help you work toward that goal?

Remember; commit to the process and you’re en route to achieving your goal.

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