Being a writer is a wonderful gift, but as with any talent, it has its downsides and peculiar quirks. When the words are flowing, the whole universe seems to be aligned, and everything seems rosy. Editing is the same way. When I’m in the groove with a manuscript or an article, the revisions come naturally, and I remember that I love my job. But whether you’re writing or editing, there are times when the words won’t come, the revisions seem forced, and the project comes to a screeching halt, typically because a small, annoying task or setback gets on your last nerve and sends you over the edge. And that’s when stepping back becomes a necessity.
Truly Frustrating
Photo by Cut in A Moment on Unsplash
That’s what happened to me last month. I was in the middle of a long manuscript, a long week, a long month, and a long year, and it was starting to show.
You see, there was a comma in this manuscript that would just not go away. It refused to be deleted. I couldn’t get the backspace key to erase it. No matter what I tried, that little dot would not budge, and it definitely didn’t belong there. I was frustrated and annoyed. This irritating little punctuation mark was holding me up and raising my blood pressure. So I decided to step back. I got some water and went for a short walk to give my eyes and my brain a break.
Friends, I was away from my desk for only ten minutes. But in that short time, I moved around, thought about something else, and rehydrated. Turns out, that was exactly what I needed, because when I went back to my desk, I noticed that the infuriating comma was actually not a comma at all. The reason I couldn’t delete it was because it was a speck of dust on my monitor.
I felt like an idiot.
I had wasted time and let myself get very frustrated over something ridiculously small and easily fixable. But I couldn’t see it until I stepped back.
Step Back
Stepping back is a gift, just like writing, editing, or playing the viola. You have to practice it to become good at it. So the next time you’re struggling with writer’s block, an annoying computer update, an equipment failure, a tricky revision, or a plot hole, step away. Give yourself ten minutes to be in another space, think about something else, and take care of yourself. When you go back to your project, you might not immediately solve the problem, but you have a much better chance of solving the issue when you’re calm and focused than when you’re upset and frustrated. If you need help stepping back, try some of my go-to activities for taking a break:
- Have a tea or coffee break.
- Water your houseplants.
- Take a #StetWalk.
- Try a Headspace meditation.
- Play with your dog, cat, or kids.
- Complete a small chore around the house.
Stepping back doesn’t have to be a big thing, but it does have a big impact on your mental state. You don’t have to wait until you’re about to snap before you cut yourself some slack. Block off a few spots in your schedule to just breathe. Think of it as preventive maintenance to keep you running smoothly. Not only will your body appreciate it, but your boss, coworkers, and clients will benefit from working with you when you’re in a more positive mental space. So take my advice, friends, no matter what your profession is: step back every once in a while. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
If you’re struggling with a writing project, let me know. I’d love to help you get your project back on track. Together, we can make your writing bulletproof!