8/12/2011

Stuck in Neutral

I turn terribly unproductive in about the last week before school starts. It isn’t because I’m trying to hold on to summer. Believe me. I’m chomping at the bit for a semi-predictable schedule again! No, it’s much less noble that that. And honestly, it happens with more than just the first day of school.

I find that when any big event looms on the horizon, I go into a holding pattern. The anticipation of it—even the good anticipation—stalls me out. I can’t seem to make myself move forward again until that event comes and goes. This phenomenon could last a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. All I know is that this tendency in myself drives me crazy!

Does this ever happen to you? Do you have a method for breaking stalemate or do you go with it and ride out that last little bit of time in neutral gear? 

4 comments:

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Exercise does wonders to push me out of it.
~ Wendy

Anne Mateer said...

Exercise is the only thing I seem to be doing consistently at the moment! I'm hoping my critique group meeting today can get me moving again. Maybe I'm overwhelmed at all that must be done before we take #2 to college. (Not so worried about the high schooler. I've got that down.)

Anonymous said...

I completely understand what you mean! I hate to admit it, but I do this, too. What is it about having the end in sight that temporarily freezes my momentum?

I try to allow myself a specified amount of time to completely ignore the looming deadline. Setting aside a little time to just be - without worrying about the myriad details to be completed - helps me to re-focus when that time is over.

Looking forward to your book release next month!

Blessings,
Jana

Anne Mateer said...

Good idea, Jana. I'll definitely have to try breaking the day down into chunks where I ignore the coming event!