Apr 19, 2023·edited Apr 19, 2023Liked by Kate McKean
Hey, Kate! I remember loving The Antidote (Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking) way back when I was at FSG - didn't know Oliver had a new one out, commenting to let you know that I just picked this one up on your rec :)
Hi Kate! I just listened to an episode of the London Writers' Salon where they interview Dr Gloria Mark about her book called Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Creativity. She has lots to say about giving yourself time to replenish your brain and making sure you don't give yourself a hard time. It was really interesting, you should take a listen if you have time :)
Ooooo, I had a question on the recent Open Thread about making time for WIP amid day job and other responsibilities, and this post helped a lot. I like the idea that 15 min is good enough when that's what I have. Maybe I need a reminder on my phone that says "15 min is good enough, Dummy." : )
I loved Four Thousand Weeks so much too! Such a great antidote to the over-performing expectation of our culture today. I feel like I need to reread it on an annual basis just to offset all the other messages out there.
Also, thanks for the distinction between trip and vacation. That's a good one. I think I need to share this with my family and encourage us to have one of each every year.
Hard agree on doing the big things first. I almost always have the energy to answer an email or two at 9pm. But do I have the energy or mental bandwidth to draft my novel then? Nope. Almost never.
I'm currently in the process of reading FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS! Really loving it so far.
YES to all this! "Touch the important things every day" is my new motto. I literally just set up a separate desk, in front of my window just to the side of my regular desk. This will be my writing desk, with only a dedicated writing device (thinking of trying the freewrite). I'm going to print out "Touch the important things every day" on a note and put that in a frame on my desk. Thanks for sharing all your work!
Getting four thousand weeks now (this letter is also where I found Tomorrow and Tomorrow....) ... when I saw "back on the horse," I figured you were writing about what to do when the first tranche of queries don't yield the results you're hoping for (a phone call from Oprah or Barack, duh). But funny thing, this newsletter doesn't seem to be *all about memememe*! But I love the advice. Touch the project every day; do the big things as you can, when you can, without always waiting because there is *never* (or rarely) be that big ol' chunk of gorgeous time ...
I often say "screwed for screwed, may as well do the things I want to do" - not in a pessimistic way (even though it may seem like it) but because of exactly what you say on this post. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't have more than 3 big things on your to do list every day - which may be wise but is also absurd at least for me as I work 50%, live on a farm, write, am a wedding celebrant on the side, and have a 2 year old. But I appreciate the sentiment, and try to do my best everyday while giving myself space to sometimes just go bask in the sun or play with puppies or watch mind-numbing shows. 🙃
Thank you for sharing! I share your mentality regarding the value of even a few minutes of writing time in a day and also the importance of embracing that it’s okay to take breaks when you feel the need. I’m glad you had a great trip and thank you for sharing!
Hey, Kate! I remember loving The Antidote (Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking) way back when I was at FSG - didn't know Oliver had a new one out, commenting to let you know that I just picked this one up on your rec :)
This was a great post for post-vacation motivation thank you! I also live in Mexico City (from the UK), it's awesome to hear you had a great time!
Then, "rally and get things done" it is.
O coxswain! My coxswain!
Hi Kate! I just listened to an episode of the London Writers' Salon where they interview Dr Gloria Mark about her book called Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Creativity. She has lots to say about giving yourself time to replenish your brain and making sure you don't give yourself a hard time. It was really interesting, you should take a listen if you have time :)
Ooooo, I had a question on the recent Open Thread about making time for WIP amid day job and other responsibilities, and this post helped a lot. I like the idea that 15 min is good enough when that's what I have. Maybe I need a reminder on my phone that says "15 min is good enough, Dummy." : )
I loved Four Thousand Weeks so much too! Such a great antidote to the over-performing expectation of our culture today. I feel like I need to reread it on an annual basis just to offset all the other messages out there.
Also, thanks for the distinction between trip and vacation. That's a good one. I think I need to share this with my family and encourage us to have one of each every year.
Hard agree on doing the big things first. I almost always have the energy to answer an email or two at 9pm. But do I have the energy or mental bandwidth to draft my novel then? Nope. Almost never.
I'm currently in the process of reading FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS! Really loving it so far.
YES to all this! "Touch the important things every day" is my new motto. I literally just set up a separate desk, in front of my window just to the side of my regular desk. This will be my writing desk, with only a dedicated writing device (thinking of trying the freewrite). I'm going to print out "Touch the important things every day" on a note and put that in a frame on my desk. Thanks for sharing all your work!
I found this post utterly relatable and stress-relieving all at once. Thank you!
Getting four thousand weeks now (this letter is also where I found Tomorrow and Tomorrow....) ... when I saw "back on the horse," I figured you were writing about what to do when the first tranche of queries don't yield the results you're hoping for (a phone call from Oprah or Barack, duh). But funny thing, this newsletter doesn't seem to be *all about memememe*! But I love the advice. Touch the project every day; do the big things as you can, when you can, without always waiting because there is *never* (or rarely) be that big ol' chunk of gorgeous time ...
This is super helpful!
Sorry, my finger slipped. The word was affect.
Many years ago I had a boss who at the day would say,
go home. If we didn't get it done today, we'll give it hell tomorrow. The world isn't going to end if we don't finish it today.
Or words to that affaffect
I am also loving 4000 weeks! What a gift!
I often say "screwed for screwed, may as well do the things I want to do" - not in a pessimistic way (even though it may seem like it) but because of exactly what you say on this post. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't have more than 3 big things on your to do list every day - which may be wise but is also absurd at least for me as I work 50%, live on a farm, write, am a wedding celebrant on the side, and have a 2 year old. But I appreciate the sentiment, and try to do my best everyday while giving myself space to sometimes just go bask in the sun or play with puppies or watch mind-numbing shows. 🙃
Thank you for sharing! I share your mentality regarding the value of even a few minutes of writing time in a day and also the importance of embracing that it’s okay to take breaks when you feel the need. I’m glad you had a great trip and thank you for sharing!