Ever have one of those days when you can’t seem to focus on what you need to get done? I have these type of days a lot because of illness and disability. It is not just a question of time management for me on unproductive days. My time is robbed by illness.
How do I make the most of my good days when I do have them? I have some tips for those of who struggle with illness or disabilities just like I do. I think these probably would work for just about anybody with some tweaking.
1. Forgive yourself for the bad days when they come and don’t dwell on them. These days happen to everyone, healthy or sick.
2. Focus on the new day and realize what a blessing it is:
Luke 1: 78 says;
“A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful..”
3. Fine tune goals for the good days.
One big mistake that you encounter on the good days is the temptation to compensate and get too much done. When I do this, my next day is guaranteed to be a low producing day. I have to refine my goals that I did not accomplish on the bad day. I can’t be too ambitious and write down too many goals for my good days. I spread goals over two to three days to accomplish them in small chunks.
4. Stick to your refined broken, down goals, but be flexible. You never know when an issue can get you side-tracked. In the past, I have had to drop my goals because of emergencies or other family issues. Meantime, I had to back burner my writing goals for a few days. When things returned to normal, I write new to-do lists and start over. The keys are giving oneself grace and maintaining a sense of patience.
5. Last on my list, but not last in importance, is to start anew when you have had setbacks with prayer and time alone with God. We all need to have mini-retreats to find balance. What is it that God wants us to focus on? How does our writing serve Him?
I write as a ministry. The ultimate mission of my writing is to point others to the Light and Truth of Christ. I try to accomplish this through creativity and love.
What tips can you share to overcome setbacks in your writing goals? Please share in the comments area.
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As a girl who has a chronic illness that comes around sporadically (long story for another day) and it flared its ugly head this week, I needed this. How sweet is the reminder “A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.” So thankful you linked up at #wordswithwinter Hope your week is blessed and filled with more good days than bad!
Winter recently posted…Ruined + Link Up
Thank you for sharing this great post with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Terri Presser recently posted…BOUQUET BIRTHDAY CAKE
Every day His mercies are new! I live this promise. Thank you for reminding us of this through your post today.
This verse spoke to me. “A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful..” Stopping by from Reflect.
Jann recently posted…Turn our hearts to praise Him
Some days I feel like I am not productive too! I love this tips Mary.
#1 forgive myself is my best on your list.
God Bless Friend
IFEOMA SAMUEL recently posted…The Most Unlikely Prayer
This is such good stuff. I find my self off track and then the whole rest of the day goes down hill but your point of forgiving our self and refocusing is right on target. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Woods with Winter.
I love this and your site…ill be coming back as we hace a passion for creativity
Thank you for this wonderful tips! They are great and surprising. For myself, music helps me to be quiet as there are many disappointments: as little energy or pain. Music also helps to get new ideas for writing.
Ariella recently posted…The voice of God in the desert
Music helps me to. I love listening to Christian praise music as I write. Thanks for sharing.
During the darkest parts of my life (I struggle with illness as well) I try to hard to tell myself that God has a plan for me. Then I heard Oprah Winfrey say it this way, “Not what can you do for me Lord, but what can I do for you?” I love that. If I can’t write. If my writing and my journaling, and my love of making vision boards (I know, I love me some crafts!) gets off track for weeks sometimes, I have to accept that it is what it is, and if the Lord wants me to continue on the path of journaling my emotions, He will provide the time and the opportunity. So nice to meet someone who has put it so eloquently.
Sandra recently posted…The Concept of Blogging for Good and Evil
I love to journal as well. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Pacing yourself is really what is important. I see my Mom trying to do too much on her ‘good’ days and then collapsing with exhaustion.
I think your tips apply to us all though. I love the idea of mini-retreats.
Thanks for joining us on #MondayMusings today, Mary.
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I’m luck with my walking disability in that I can write all I want. My problem is to force myself away and do ‘something’ in the home. I hope I’m following God’s plan, because I’m happy and don’t give in to glumness.
Sometimes I feel the personal goals are a big task. But still i try to get them even if it takes longer than planned! Nice post
Tina recently posted…What is in a name? I say every bit is in it.#MondayMusings
Stick with your goals. I love the sense of achievement I get when I reach one.