Profound! Needed! And a great reminder not to do *just because*. Life’s too short and we have too much to offer to enforce a self-imposed slogging away at the keyboard. Lived experiences bring fresh perspective, and without them, we’re writing in a vacuum. 💛
I think you’ve found the antidote to “The Grind”. We think we are being good and dutiful by sitting at our desks, it’s a way to ease the guilt of not taking a paycheque….but agree, it’s crushing. And there is good neuroscience and physiological research on how much better we perform when we are happy and relaxed.
Surfaced something i was struggling with. You had the words to resolve it!
most people think of consistency as this tedious check-boxing. But quite like building a sports skills, or training physically.. mental and artistic work like writing also needs variety!
This topic keeps getting presented to me and I think that it is time I listened. I built an evergreen sales system for two online classes. I filmed those classes in 2023 and just relaunched them again this year. In that time, I have been writing here on Substack and evolving, and I no longer think that these classes are the foundation of what I want to do. Having a hard time just throwing them away...They did not sell very well. Not sure why I am clinging to these classes!
I have lived this same experience. I’ve written a blog for years (new to Substack at three weeks) and learned very early on that writing is different than writing inspired. All the things that contribute to better writing aren’t always sitting at your desk. Value all the inputs that create quality output. Good general rule for life 🤍
I think this is relatable to many things in life. I just read an article about how "mixing it up" with exercise (not doing the same things/routines day by day or week by week) is proven more effective all the way around (I have experienced how "inconsistency" has been beneficial for me), and I rely on really long walks (vs. pushing myself at my computer) to clear my head and give me space for new ideas. I view inconsistency as jolts to our system.
I love this perspective. Consistency is so important, but if you’re not showing up authentically or you’re hating it in the process, I think consistency doesn’t matter much at all anymore. Glad you wrote this 💖
I’ve been fascinated with the concept of “experiri” since learning it a few months ago, the Latin root of both experiment, and experience. I’ve loved that they come from the same root, but experience requires experiment in practice. This concept of inconsistent consistency lends itself to always experiment, building up our experience to become expert in our pursuits!
Those screenshots of your habit tracker speak volumes! Absolutely loved this. I’ve found embracing experimentation in my business to be so freeing - permission to try and see what happens, rather than forcing a success that ends up feeling miserable.
Yessss to the inconsistent consistency... as a 'long time Substacker, infrequent poster' I have always strongly leaned into 'only write when you have something to say'. But this past year where I have made a commitment to myself to share insights and synthesis more regularly, it's been so much better for my mental health, and also expanded the aperture around what and when I share. Some commitment and a discipline is good, a strict obligation and output goals is an inspiration killer :)
Profound! Needed! And a great reminder not to do *just because*. Life’s too short and we have too much to offer to enforce a self-imposed slogging away at the keyboard. Lived experiences bring fresh perspective, and without them, we’re writing in a vacuum. 💛
Couldn't agree more!
I think you’ve found the antidote to “The Grind”. We think we are being good and dutiful by sitting at our desks, it’s a way to ease the guilt of not taking a paycheque….but agree, it’s crushing. And there is good neuroscience and physiological research on how much better we perform when we are happy and relaxed.
I love your experiment and the equation.
Thanks
Rachel
Thanks Rachel!
Surfaced something i was struggling with. You had the words to resolve it!
most people think of consistency as this tedious check-boxing. But quite like building a sports skills, or training physically.. mental and artistic work like writing also needs variety!
Exactly!
This topic keeps getting presented to me and I think that it is time I listened. I built an evergreen sales system for two online classes. I filmed those classes in 2023 and just relaunched them again this year. In that time, I have been writing here on Substack and evolving, and I no longer think that these classes are the foundation of what I want to do. Having a hard time just throwing them away...They did not sell very well. Not sure why I am clinging to these classes!
It's the sunk cost fallacy! We all get caught up in it!
I have lived this same experience. I’ve written a blog for years (new to Substack at three weeks) and learned very early on that writing is different than writing inspired. All the things that contribute to better writing aren’t always sitting at your desk. Value all the inputs that create quality output. Good general rule for life 🤍
So true! Although I do find that sometimes I need to push through the terrible writing to get to the inspired stage (oh the irony)
To each her own process!
I think this is relatable to many things in life. I just read an article about how "mixing it up" with exercise (not doing the same things/routines day by day or week by week) is proven more effective all the way around (I have experienced how "inconsistency" has been beneficial for me), and I rely on really long walks (vs. pushing myself at my computer) to clear my head and give me space for new ideas. I view inconsistency as jolts to our system.
Oo this is a great perspective, thank you for sharing
aka living in flow
#vibes
I love this & feel this! Thank you
You're welcome!
I’ve found working in line with the strengths of each part of my cycle to be a powerful way to get more done and enjoy the work more x
I love this perspective. Consistency is so important, but if you’re not showing up authentically or you’re hating it in the process, I think consistency doesn’t matter much at all anymore. Glad you wrote this 💖
I’ve been fascinated with the concept of “experiri” since learning it a few months ago, the Latin root of both experiment, and experience. I’ve loved that they come from the same root, but experience requires experiment in practice. This concept of inconsistent consistency lends itself to always experiment, building up our experience to become expert in our pursuits!
Always find it interesting how the motives behind our actions impact the output
If we're in it because of an external schedule it's not as fun. But that doesn't mean it's not useful to get the gears turning.
I published weekly fiction for 3 yrs but after that, I didn't need to do the same thing each week at the same time.
It gets your started but your own intentions and motivations keep you going
I agree with that last statement, 100%
The reworked formula is genius. Saving this one!!
🫶🏼
Omg! Consistency, comfort zone and impostor syndrome - hate 'em all 😂😂😂
Haha, the trifecta
Those screenshots of your habit tracker speak volumes! Absolutely loved this. I’ve found embracing experimentation in my business to be so freeing - permission to try and see what happens, rather than forcing a success that ends up feeling miserable.
Experimentation is the best! May as well enjoy the process
Yessss to the inconsistent consistency... as a 'long time Substacker, infrequent poster' I have always strongly leaned into 'only write when you have something to say'. But this past year where I have made a commitment to myself to share insights and synthesis more regularly, it's been so much better for my mental health, and also expanded the aperture around what and when I share. Some commitment and a discipline is good, a strict obligation and output goals is an inspiration killer :)
It's a fine line!