Writers Who Run: Getting Engaged

Having trouble making commitments because you can't seem to get started? If you feel that what you want to do is simply too big, then don't fully commit right away. Coax yourself into it. Let me explain.

You want to get married to the love of your life. But you're afraid to elope tonight. That's okay. You don't have to jump in right away to get what you want right now. You don't have to commit to when you'll tie the knot, or where, or how, or what you'll eat and who to invite.

But if you want to be with your special someone for the rest of your life, then you need commit to getting engaged. You know you're going to tie the knot - eventually. You're doing something. You're saying yes. It's still commitment.

Congratulations on your engagement! So how do writers and runners get engaged?

First, what are the commitments we want, but are afraid to get engaged with? These might be commitments to revise that story/chapter, to run 3x a wk, to sign up for a race, write a new book or story, or some other goal you may have.

Here's how to get engaged.

Just showing up is how you say, "Yes!" You don't have to go far. You don't have to go fast. You just have to "go." Showing up is always half the battle. It's how you'll convince yourself to get started.

Don't have time to run six miles? Don't feel like running at all? Just tell yourself you'll do ONE mile. Don't have time to revise your whole story? Can't decide which one to revise first? Read both stories aloud, then go with your gut and pick one. Decide on one sentence to change. You're sucked in now because you have started the journey by being engaged in the work.

Keep on keepin' on...