After considering my latest "failure" on the novel front from all of its positive and negative aspects... and the "solution" I came to afterwards, I have a new way of looking at things.

It seems to me that whenever I have been successful at things, it has been things that I did in a huge, passionate, fast, enthusiastic over the top SPRINT. And whenever I have failed in something important, it was because it was a long haul, buckle down, stay focused, step by step MARATHON.

This seems to match my experiences with hobbies, jobs, relationships, subjects in school, writing, and pretty much everything I can think of.

It leads me to wonder if perhaps I am just meant to be a sprinter rather than a marathon runner, and if I want to do a long task, i.e. a marathon, should I maybe find ways to divide it into bursts of intense sprinting, with breaks in between to regain my breath, momentum, and creativity?

Any further exploration of this is welcome.

Are you thinking short stories now, not a novel?

And don't say failure:mad:

We all have out ups and downs about success..that's life but as long asyou have a passion and flare for writing...and never give up at it...you will always be a success...never a failure. Failures quit. Never give up and never surrender to the pressures of success and you will do great. There are times when my poetry doesn't come out so good...but evaluated why it's not a success and try to figure out ways to improve it makes it a lot better the next time cause I know what went wrong. You can be the best hun...and if you believe it enough..you are the best.:D

Good luck to ya Wayward. Would love to read your writings:D

Wasn't thinking short stories.

More like chapters, one at a time.

I posted a story here already... may post more soon.

Ah, I see.

I read your short story. And commented. That's why I thought.

Yup Paul that's what works for me and managing in time blocks ensure that I don't get over enthusiastic. < g >

The largest block I can manage is two hours and that seems to be stretching it.

I have managed a couple of long term projects without meds using this framework. One such project was the telescope I designed and built. The details are posted.
http://ca.geocities.com/itschaotic/scope/

I've lost my way in the past year from the place that allowed for that kind of attention span, but I know I can get back there with the tools I have. My primary tools are my coach and my willingness to implement the structure to set aside blocks of time specific to certain tasks.

It seems especially important not to continue past the time allotted just because I feel like I'm on a roll. There is always tomorrow.

Making priorities of how I spend my day and taking seriously the plan to make room for those time slots is key. When I have the strength, this is a very useful strategy

The sprints don't work for me. It always leads to a crash.I have had to back off the sprint. I can't seem to control myself very well from that position. Instead I make a conscious effort to walk more slowly for instance. I practise not "ramping" up during the day. The helps me be more sensitive to others needs and a host of other benefits.

However once I am sprinting there is no turning back it seems. I have to wait for tomorrow to get another swing at it. I used to practice zazen (Zen meditation) in the mornings and this was a very big help but I can't see sitting still for that just now.

Of course this "marathon" is a skill to be practised and I'm a long way from mastering it. What gives me hope is that people around me seem to much prefer the version of me when I'm not sprinting. Demanding physical exercise is a big help in burning off some of the ragged edges. Right now it's lots of wood splinting and stacking.

Go with your gut.. if it works.. it's worth exploring.
Cheers! Ian.

It can't hurt to give it a shot. I know I work better in sprints than marathons. Maybe set your goal at a chapter. Break the novel down so it does not seem so overwhleming. Ironically I used to run marathons. I never would have made it if I looked at the original distance. I broke it down into 5 mile intervals. I tried to focus on finish 5 miles than 10 etc. I am not much of a writer, but I do love to read. anyway best of luck. Ignore any advice that is not applicable :)

Paul, I think you are on to something. Knowing yourself and how you work will help you accomplish what you want to do.

For me I love adventure, the thrill of a project that is going on. I need to "make" my life adventurous even when it is not.

You still can't run away from the fact that "life" as a whole is a marathon. Like it or not you are not a sprinter (well, one could be but ... no one likes to talk about the end). The trick is to maintain effort regardless of results... and the trick to that is to lower expectations. Fact is - the "stars" among us are simply blessed by probability with incredible skills, access to resources or just plain luck - all the rest is just the results of the cumulative effects of labour. So don't sweat it - it may not be your destiny to be a "star", so just be the best "dim bulb" ( or what ever... ) you can be and try to enjoy the process. In the end, all that's left is the process, as the results of your labours will likely seem insignificant.

"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." - Gandhi

I would think that this is a defeating attitude.

The trick is to maintain effort regardless of results... and the trick to that is to lower expectations.

I would counter that thought with the following quote:

If you deliberately plan to be less that you're capbable of being, then I warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest of your lfie ~Abraham Maslow

I don't think that will work for Paul, lower his expectations. Well speaking for me, I don't think it would work for me, anyway.

i think it is more a question of "realistic" expectations. if you set your goals too high, you are sure to be disappointed. then you'll just end up with another example of failure .... to me, nothing is more paralyzing than the fear of failing again....

why's post did give me the brainstorm i needed to put my own thoughts and goals into words ... (comments would be much appreciated).

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4371