Defining "Commitment"

Following your spark vs “The RULES”

Nadine N Francis
July 20, 2023

Over the past 535 days, I have written daily in my journal. I take clips from these entries to visualize, plan and write stories. I have a blast creating this weekly newsletter.

The timing and volume of my writing don't always work out as planned. I have a family (both human and furry). I have sleep issues. I have my M-F 9-5 role. I have Y&R episodes to catch up on. Priorities!

Each writing day differs. On some mornings I barely manage to write a page or two in my journal. Other times I write a journal entry plus another 2,000+ words for a first draft of something I wanted to get out of my head. I roll with it. If I can’t get to it in the mornings, an evening writing session will take its place.

To this date, I’ve been able to maintain a daily routine that works… for me.

I don’t ever want to discourage others from exploring their journey. And I hope by now you understand what I’ve been trying to share since starting this newsletter series…

The creative journey is not always a linear path.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

The feedback I’ve received about this newsletter so far has been positive. I have been labelled with words such as brave, committed, and genuine.

I am flattered and frightened by these labels.

The word “committed” scares me. But not in the way you may think.

I have a personal belief there needs to be a certain level of commitment to your craft to succeed. The definition of what this commitment looks like should differ from person to person.

Training for a marathon requires a certain level of commitment. One must train enough to make it to the finish line. If there is a time goal, there is another level of commitment that needs to be added in. Many years ago, I adapted a marathon training regimen to my specific scenario - my current health at the time, my level of speedwalking, my pregnancy and training in various weather patterns.

Marathon training was a great way to learn how to be agile while still reaching specific goals. My commitment to complete the marathon did not define me in any way as a better or worse marathon participant.

When I started this creative journey last year, I did not expect to find conflicting advice online about the amount and frequency one must write to call themself a committed WRITER or “Creator.” The lines drawn with absolutes on either side used to be exhausting. I struggled with these labels and blanket definitions before I chose to make my own path. I do my best to stay away from the noise so I can focus on what is working best for me.

❝

If I’m not following “The Rules,”

am I less committed to writing

than any other “writer?”

I have seen first-hand the benefits of daily writing on my health and well-being. This does not make me a WRITER. I don't even like labelling myself as a WRITER right now.

Writing daily is a commitment I made to myself - not to others.

There may be a day when I am not writing daily anymore. There may be times when I HAVE to miss a day. Shit happens daily all around us. I can only control what works best for me. I’m committed to the reality of knowing this day may come, as well as the drive to determine how to make it NOT happen.

To be good at something, you will need to start doing it. But must you dedicate an hourly, daily, or weekly routine to your creations to get there?

Goal setting (intention building) and time management techniques can help outline the commitment required for you to start. Everyone's path is unique. A personal journal is a great way to help you track goals, time allocation, and accomplishments.

It is nearly impossible to predict each day what my days will be like in a week, month or year from now. I do not want to be confined to a definition that makes no sense when I create. Quite often, I don’t know what I’m doing! Yet I am still willing to explore each day to see what works. If I am no longer writing from my gut, I will need to adapt and redefine my commitment to writing in another way.

My current routine will not work for everyone. I share my journey but I don’t ask you to mimic my steps. I am happy for those who recognize the part of discovering what the journey is supposed to look like… for them. How you find your spark and keep it alive may be relatable but not identical. The way we choose to follow the creative path should not determine the level of commitment to our craft.

Photo by Warren on Unsplash

Do you create on an hourly, daily, weekly basis? Are you on a different or infrequent schedule?

Great! You are on your way. You already know what you are willing to do to start or keep going.

Follow your own path. And… Congratulations! I hope to see you along the way as we continue to create together.

Defining "Commitment"

Following your spark vs “The RULES”

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