How Discipline Saved My Blogging Habit (Even from a Hospital Bed)
When life throws curveballs, discipline keeps your habits alive. This week, from a hospital bed, I chose to write instead of skipping my blogging routine. Here's how sticking to the habit—even in tough times—can help you stay on track, stay motivated, and keep creating.
When James Clear, author Atomic Habits, states, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems," he's speaking directly to anyone who's ever attempted a new habit. As a freshly minted blogger, his words ring particularly true for me.
A few months ago, I committed myself to publishing weekly on my blog. It sounds simple enough until life throws curveballs your way. I've learned quickly that keeping a habit alive—especially one that demands creative output—is not just about motivation; it's about discipline.
Each of my blog articles takes approximately four hours from conception to hitting 'publish.' The breakdown is fairly consistent: three hours of intense focus, deep creative thinking, and actual writing, followed by one hour of lighter tasks such as formatting, final proofreading, and the technical nuances of posting.
Early on, I recognized that falling short of my weekly goal, even once, could jeopardize the entire habit. Skipping a post might initially seem harmless, but it risks turning into two missed posts, then three, and eventually abandonment of the goal altogether. Discipline in maintaining consistency became paramount.
That's where contingency planning comes into play. Inspired by Clear’s practical advice, I've implemented backup strategies. Having pre-written articles, fully fleshed out ideas ready to go, provides a safety net. It allows flexibility without sacrificing consistency. Even if life conspires against me, these backup articles ensure my publishing schedule remains uninterrupted, thereby preserving my habit and sustaining the crucial dopamine hit of accomplishment.
Yet this week was different. Life didn't just nudge me; it delivered a fastball straight into my gut. I found myself in a hospital bed, attached to an IV, with strong medication dripping steadily. Every justification to skip a week stood glaringly in front of me. I could have easily published one of my reserve pieces. Yet, I chose differently.
Why? Partly because my habit of writing regularly has become well-formed, complete with built-in guilt alarms that chime loudly whenever I consider skipping. But mostly, it's because I genuinely care about the growth and value of my blog. I want my words to consistently reach out, entertain, and perhaps even help someone else navigating their curveballs.
Forming and maintaining habits is a testament to personal strength and discipline. Clear argues that "missing once is an accident. Missing twice is the start of a new habit." This week's circumstances reinforced the importance of this lesson. If you do skip your routine, the most crucial step is to immediately get back on track. The feeling of resuming quickly neutralizes the interruption, making it easier to regain your momentum.
So, take this article, crafted from my unexpected hospital detour, as proof. No matter how life tries to derail you, remember that control remains firmly in your hands, even if it doesn't always appear that way.
Signing off from my hospital bed, meds dripping, determination intact, and habit unbroken.
Luckily, I'll be fine. It's just one of those curveballs.
Until next week,
Stay disciplined and keep creating.