Celebrate Achievements: The Winner’s Circle by Nevada McPherson
Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Nevada McPherson as she shares with us “Celebrate Achievements: The Winner’s Circle.” Enjoy!
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It’s that time again when summer is nearly over, and I only got a small portion done of all the things I’d wanted to do. I did finish my novel, however, though how many more drafts it will have to go through remains to be seen, I finished the final draft for now, and that has to be something to celebrate!
I also was inspired to stretch my comfort zone to learn the format and structure for one-hour television episodes as well. so that’s something else I learned.
I catch myself worrying about all the things I didn’t get done, but I must remind myself to be thankful for what I accomplished, and that I had this time to work on it.
Next: One-to-Two Things At A Time
Now I will set an intention to work on the next tasks, one or two at a time, until they’re finished, and then start on two more.
I say one or two because I’ve found that limiting myself to a couple of tasks is better than scattering my energy and spreading myself too thin.
I still have my cork boards with my lists and to-do’s, but I’ve come to focus on one or two things at a time until they’re finished, and I like the difference that it makes.
I’m accustomed to having several things going at one time, but sometimes it’s nice to finish something and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.
I often work on things that take a long time, sometimes a really long time, like my hand-drawn graphic novels. I have worked on shorter pieces now and then that I’ve written about in this space (such as my comic series Fretville, that I expect to revive in the fall).
Celebrate Achievements
Being able to celebrate achievements is wonderful. When you complete a project that means a lot to you, then stop, acknowledge what you’ve done, and reflect upon it.
Celebrate!
- How about treating yourself to your favorite coffee drink?
- A meal at a favorite restaurant?
- A short weekend getaway?
- A concert?
- How about a nice, long walk in the park with your four-legged friend?
Pick something you like and do it!
Being over-ambitious and trying to do too much at one time can often push back your celebration time considerably and leave you feeling harried rather than happy.
Reflect on Your Project
Working at your art and doing something that you love should bring happiness and fulfillment.
Yes, there’s also frustration and overwhelm at times, but that’s when you have to re-focus and get back to an achievable goal, a deadline for a contest, a day when something has to be done.
Notice I said “done” and not perfect.
There’s a reason to feel great—yes, and to celebrate!
Celebrate A Job Well-Done
Remembering to reward yourself for a job well-done paves the way for more happy times in the near future.
I say this from experience, and to remind you that as you get back to a busy fall, remember to give yourself the room, space, and time you need to get your stuff done, and then go out and reward yourself for a job well done!
Happy writing!
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What insights have you gained from your summer writing activities? Share in the comments below, or write your own article. Writers guidelines here: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/guest-columnists-welcome
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Georgia, Nevada McPherson lived in uptown New Orleans for many years and now lives with her husband Bill and rescue Chihuahua, Mitzi in Milledgeville, GA where she is a professor of Humanities at Georgia Military College. Nevada received a BA in English/ Creative Writing and an MFA in Screenwriting from Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge. She’s written over a dozen feature-length screenplays, one short screenplay, a short play, short stories and two graphic novels, Uptowners and Piano Lessons. Queensgate, the sequel to Uptowners, is her third graphic novel. For more information, visit www.nevada-mcpherson.com.
