I just purchased new pans.  Tuesday Morning was having a sale.  I did some research, picked them up for a good price, and—hoo boy. Now that I have pans,  I MUST cook, right?

Or am I once more being caught up in my best intentions?

This is a dangerous question for me.  I have more visions of what I want to do than I have the actual time to follow-up on any of them.  I like deadlines because, if nothing else, they tell me exactly what I truly must do.  Otherwise, I behave like a one-winged bumblebee.  I sound busy but the reality is I’m going around in circles.

For the first time in ages, I am caught up on deadlines and family.  The next wedding is years away, all current babies have been birthed, and everyone is where they are, doing what they should be doing.

Now, is my time to dream and plan . . . so I purchased pans . . . and I live alone . . . and really don’t cook much.

Okay, here is what I want to tell myself:

  1. Indulge. Don’t let this downtime go to waste.  I’m meeting up with friends I don’t see often enough, especially when my nose is to the grindstone. I write about human connections, and I need to live what I write.
  2. Yes, I want to set new goals.  I believe a writer must always set new goals and I’m not talking just about business. I need creative goals.  Cooking  is creative, no?  I will also take a class on specialty paint finishes.  I’ll reimagine the space I live in.
  3. Schedule. Planning is essential to success.  Yes, an emergency can throw every good intention out the window, but that shouldn’t stop me from asking what is it that I truly want, and then making a plan, and scheduling it, to achieve my goals.  By the way, I also need to plan downtime.  The muse must be fed and that is also true of my friends.  Perhaps buying those pans wasn’t so silly after all
  4. Evaluate. Now is the time to consider my business needs.  In my writing life, my computer is my single most important writing tool.  I need to consider new software to ensure I’m making the best use of my time possible.  I also review phone and internet services along with insurance and all other business needs  at least once a year.

Let me add to that last point. Sometimes I meet writers who are gimping along on sub-standard, out of date equipment.  Not good.  They are devaluing their work.  They are saying that the tools of their craft takes second place to everything else in their lives.  I don’t believe I must have the very best to do good work.  However, I must have the ability to operate effectively in the current publishing environment.  Or to use the pan analogy—when the Teflon starts scratching or flaking, it is time to upgrade.

And the bottom line with all of my best intentions is that I want to set myself up for success.  I may miss the mark, but at least I am heading in the right direction.

Hmmm . . . I wonder if I need a new stove?

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