Focus on Today not Yesterday

This morning I decided to check my cupboards (evasion tactic, number 128) to check the statues of all my basic writing material. What I noticed shouldn't have surprised me, but it did.

On one side, stacked high, were dozens of brand new notebooks and binders. A colorful array of pens and pencils, many still in their packages, reams of unopened printer paper and a new box of printer ink.

On the other side?

A thin folder sat perfectly centered. Inside a copy of my latest writing endeavor, waiting for edits of course. Like I said, I shouldn't have been surprised. A little over two weeks ago, I'd drawn up an action plan, one that went into great detail, mind you, as well as my writing goals for the new year. Yet, there I stood staring at proof that I'd forgotten not only the detailed plan, but where I'd even written it down.

What next?

Do I shake my head at my lack of commitment and head off to my favorite chair to pick up one of the books waiting in my "to be read" pile? Or do I lift my chin, pull back my shoulders and head to the computer.

What do you think?

Well, you're right. I planted myself in that chair and started reading. Didn't last long though. In the back of my mind, a little voice started yelling at the top of its lungs. "GET UP!"

Yep, I have one of those pesky little voices that I like to call my writing fairy, more like evil fairy in this instance.

Well, here I am following through with my New Year's action plan. A little bit of a late start, but a start. AND that's what counts. Right? Right!

So, if you're finding yourself in the same boat. Don't fret. Ignore any and all signs that your behind on your goals and tell yourself, "I can't change what I did or didn't do yesterday. I can only focus on the moment."

Then, DO JUST THAT! Focus on the here and now. You want to change the way your writing is going? Start today, because today is what you have to work with. Think about it. If you are always letting yesterday rule the way you do things today-you'll always be one-step behind where you want to be.

As for that lopsided cupboard.

I pulled out a new notebook and pencil and made notes for my next project. Today, I leveled the cupboard a little bit.

Tomorrow? Well, that’s not here yet, I'll focus on it when it gets here and not a minute sooner.

What about you? Have you been evading your writing goals? DeAnn Sicard A Writer's Quick Reference Guide to Words