One Step at a Time
May 8, 2024
I’ve been in a mental slump for the past couple of days. I get this way occasionally and rarely can I put my finger on what causes it. Usually doesn’t last long, but while I’m going through it, I struggle with focus and the energy to get meaningful things done.
I’m kind of glad I’m going through it today because today is laundry day and the day to get some things done around the house. That means I can do things that show completion, but at the same time I don’t have to think very hard to get them done.
But today is also the day I try to get my blog post written, which is not a task like the others at all. It doesn’t have to be done today as I give myself some cushion in the schedule, but let’s say it’s my preferred day to wrap it up.
So, what do I do when I’m in this type of “mood”, I’ll call it?
One step at a time.
One Step At a Time #hope #joy #writingcommunity Share on X
Here’s what it looked like for me today. This is not detailed, but a general accounting of my day.
Put in a load of laundry.
Have breakfast.
Open draft blog post and select a photo.
Change over the laundry.
Work on some problems with an on-line guitar course I’m taking.
Search for a card my wife said was missing.
Change over the laundry.
Think about the blog photo.
Wash dishes.
Have lunch.
Change over the laundry.
Do research on a purchase we’re thinking about making.
Change over the laundry.
Open the blog back up and think about the photo.
Boring I know, but I’d describe it as simply taking one step at a time. Doing something even if it wasn’t adding much value. The laundry needed to be done. I needed to eat. I needed to work on those few problem items. And I wanted to get today’s post done.
I tried not to just let myself sit and do nothing (though there were a few minutes of just that).
The last time I picked up the blog post, I thought back on our family trip to New York where the entertainer played a single drum for hours for all the people waiting in line to get on the boat for a short cruise. I remembered his energy and enthusiasm for doing what he was doing, and it made me think of how I should go about my day.
As Paul tell us in his letter to the Colossians…
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23, NASB)
After thinking on this and drafting this post, my “mood” had lightened a bit and as I look back over the day, I know things that needed to get done, got done, a few problems got solved, and I’d been reminded of what God wants from me. Makes me want to do my tasks heartily, as for the Lord.
Probably not a recipe for success in all circumstances but taking one step at a time may take you a long way.
Because of fibromyalgia, I live with brain fog and trouble concentrating every day. It’s been worse these last few months, even though I’ve got a couple more manuscripts started. I just ask the Holy Spirit for enough energy to move things forward. I’m so thankful for that. #notgivingup #aginggratefully
Thank you, Joy. I know that’s a tough road. You are a great example of perseverance and reliance on God.
Thank you for sharing your process, Tim. Yes, when there is no motivation or inspiration, it is difficult to write. But chipping away at it is a great way to complete it.
Thank you, Joni. You are so right. Chip away!
Sounds like you got a lot accomplished by doing it one step at a time! Sometimes I want to do ten things at the same time. That just doesn’t work at all. It’s best to do like you do…take one project at a time and concentrate on that. Then move to the next:)
Got a lot of little things done. Thank you.