What to write about when you don’t have a specific topic in mind:

Here I sit in front of my keyboard with no ideas or passion about a specific topic to write about and yet, I must write. Because I’ve been saying for years that I want to write and I want to be disciplined about writing regularly, I believe the best way is to jump in and start writing. I’ve heard in the past different ways to get writing when there’s no inspiration, including the suggestion of one way to start is to write with the sentence, “I don’t know what to write about”.

Is it all about a habit? And how hard is it to change a habit? I can attest that it’s VERY hard to change habits and routines. The Nike slogan, “Just Do It” is so sweet. Sure, I can just do it for one day or one hour, then what?

There’s so much attached to those habits that I have already. The history of where and when a certain habit or routine started is a good beginning for changing it. Seems I have to quit an old habit before starting a new one. Like getting ready for the day is steeped in years and years of school attendance. I get up, eat, shower, dress, catch the bus or beat the traffic going down the road. Did I make my lunch the night before, or try to make a lunch while I sip my coffee and eat my toast? So now that I’m my own boss, do I really have a strict deadline for punching the clock in the morning? No. Could I be flexible with my morning routine, walk an extra ½ mile, get that facial scrub on before I jump in the shower, or make a smoothie instead of the same-o toast and coffee? Yes, I can, and should be more proactive.

Sounds to me that it takes a new plan, some enthusiasm and motivation for the reward I’ll reap for doing something different and better, and then follow through with the new habit and put in place the boundaries to keep it going. And what about the people around me who are used to a routine and schedule and if I change up my day how will that affect them? Will they have to make changes to accommodate me? Very likely they will have to shift something in their day so either I’m not in their way or they’re not in mine. Or if I change something, will it mean I’m no longer able to do the “thing” that was previously my responsibility? What if I want to take a day off from the dog’s morning walk to spend extra time in prayer and meditation, how will I explain that to him? What if I want to get up ½ an hour earlier while others are still sleeping, but I’m turning on lights, making noise to make the coffee, and opening and closing cupboards?

Are these just excuses? Possibly, but mostly it takes a conscientious effort to change, and communication (see last month’s blog), and buy-in for those around me that these changes are going to affect. I could keep plodding along content with who I am and what I do. Oops, isn’t that the definition of insanity? Doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result? And here I am writing and sending a message that I’m committing to writing regularly from now on. I’ve been sneaking in more writing in the moments between tasks. When I’m done with one task and not ready to move to the next one, I’ll leave my word document open and can click, review what I’ve written and start typing more thoughts. Next I’ll want to schedule time to write that cannot be scheduled over.

I’m trying to remember the last time I successfully and sustainably changed a habit. What did I do exactly that made the shift work? Since I work in real estate, I know that moving to a new place is really motivating for decluttering and getting rid of excess. For instance, I am a clothes and shoe and accessory accumulator and I made a promise (a good impetus to keep going on a change) after our last move to a smaller place, that if I bring something new home, I have to take something old out of my closet and get rid of it. (just for the record, I’m not perfect at this, but way better than I’ve ever been before, and sometimes I get rid of something and don’t replace it, however, my closet is still quite full).

My next habit to change is to eat healthier. I can forecast that if I don’t identify what might trigger me during my day to start snacking or over eat, that I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done. I’ve been on a multitude of different diets and they are all effective, as long as I continue them, but then a big event comes along and getting back on track with the new habit is too much of a challenge, because I’ve tasted the good stuff on the special event. I’ve been known to bring healthy snacks, wipe out all the unhealthy treats I’ve got squirreled away, and drink lots of water, and still, I get off track. I’ve read and understand plenty of books, articles, and papers on the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle, and, yet, the impetus to make the change sustainable isn’t there. I’m still looking for the answer to a sustainable healthy eating routine. I’ll let you know what ends up working well for me.

In the meantime, please share what new habit(s) work for you and how you arrived at success.

Lori Zurcher