Friday, April 08, 2011

Surmountable Barriers

The other day, I was surfing around on some of my favorite blogs when I came across an entry by Lori Widmer at Words on the Page about what she accomplished in the month of March.  The 38+ query letters that she sent out was enough in itself to impress me, but that was only a drop in the bucket of her freelancing accomplishments for last month. 

What Lori's post got me to wondering was what are the barriers in my life that keep me from that level of productivity.  Although the last couple months have been the most productive I've had in a while, I've definitely not sent out nearly 40 query letters.


What I'm working on now
  • Posting on my blog on a regular
  • Researching markets and querying magazines for articles (I say again, not 40.  I promise you!)
  • A couple small freelance projects
  • Networking/marketing
  • Always stretching myself by reading and learning about my craft
  • Outlining and beginning my first book
As for barriers, I can give you a list of 40+ of them with ease.  Family (children, spouse, pets), chores, lack of time, hobbies and other interests, but when it comes right down to it, I think I've learned what my ultimate barrier is: myself.

I know that I'm not sitting around making excuse after excuse to not write.  I'm getting "stuff" done, just not quite as much as I'd like.  I must not make excuses.  Do you think Lori is?  I sincerely doubt that!

One of my biggest problems is that I always worry I'm not giving my children enough of my time.  After all, being with my girls and giving them my best is the reason I am home right now.  But what I've learned is that sometimes giving them "my best" looks different than I expect. Instead of thinking I am depriving my children of my time, I must keep in mind that I am doing more than something I enjoy.  I am showing them that mama's goals and ambitions are important, and so are theirs - they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.  I must continue to press on and reach all my writing goals.  

Yes, it's a juggling act.  No, it's not impossible.  Those barriers are surmountable and so are yours.

What are some of  the barriers in your life? 

9 comments:

Paula Barthelmes said...

This is so inspirational, Lisa. I love your outlook on what "your best" is for your girls. You are so correct in stating that showing them that yours and their goals "are important" too.

Lisa Vella said...

Thanks so much, Paula.

I truly mean that, too. Part of my desire to be successful in my writing career is to show them what they are capable of, too. Reaching for our dreams is part of what we are put here on earth for. Oftentimes, somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we lose sight of those dreams. If they see mine are important, then hopefully they will see theirs in the same light.

I'm so glad you stopped by to read my post. I always appreciate your thoughtful comments! Have an amazing day!

Betsy Henning said...

I have 3 huge barriers -- Me, Myself, and I. As soon as I get over myself things will be perking right along, I'm sure.

Thanks for the encouraging post. There is hope!

Kimberly Ben said...

Yeah, freelancing (especially if you have a family) can be quite a balancing act. I've been guilty of not taking action or being consistent with my business too. One thing I've done is partner with a veteran writer and we make a quick morning call every day to go over our daily objectives and goals. We also follow up with one another about them the next day to keep each other accountable. It works for me.

As for Lori Widmer, well, she's simply a super writing machine!

Lisa Vella said...

Kimberly,

I have a writing friend as well. We keep tabs on what the other is doing with a weekly meeting plus quick calls a couple times a week. It helps both of us stay on track with our goals, remain inspired for new things, and it holds us more accountable. Whatever it takes, right?

Yes. Lori. She's a machine for sure!

Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

This is such a great post, Lisa....I can totally relate!
I also agree that we give back to our kids by showing them we matter, too!

Hope all is well!!
Sylvia

Lisa Vella said...

Betsy, You know exactly what I'm talking about! I knew you would!;)

Sylvia,

Thank you! I'm glad you liked this one. Sometimes parenting is thinking outside the box and seeing things in a different light, isn't it?

Nice to see you here on my blog again! Hoping you are feeling as wonderful as you look! Talk to you soon!

college papers said...

Lisa..........Becoming the fan of you. I visited this blog for the first time and love the way you post, write stuff and examples from common things......Really amazing congrats:)

Lisa Vella said...

Thank you so much! I'm glad you are visiting my blog and are enjoying my posts! I truly hope to see you back again.

Have a wonderful weekend!