January is a month of new beginnings. It’s a time of resolutions and ambitious goals for the year ahead. For me, it means all of those things and more.
It’s become a yearly tradition of mine. This mission is extremely important to my yearly routine. It’s a vital component of my creative routine. It’s so important that I cannot possibly imagine writing a single word in the new year without first accomplishing this goal.
I change my furniture around.
When I start something new like a script or a film (or both in the case of 2010) I find it necessary to change my surroundings. It feels like I’m starting a new job with a new office and new possibilities. For any writer out there who finds themselves blocked at any time of year, I recommend this practice for hundreds of reasons. Here’s a few:
- Throwing on the iPod and organizing your surroundings is a good chance to think about your new project.
- You’re already being creative by deciding how your new configuration of furniture will look.
- Everyone has a closet that stresses them out. We all have junk drawers that we will get to someday. It’s almost liberating to finally get to those problem areas.
- How many times a year can you honestly say that you are 100% caught up with your laundry? Make sure to do the sheets on your bed too. That’s key.
- Is anybody else in a better mood when the fridge is packed with food? Grocery shopping is a crucial part of Operation Life Restart. While you’re out, buy yourself a cake. Why not? I do it all the time. Who doesn’t love cake?
- With everything in order around you, it’s a million times easier to concentrate without the distractions of everyday life.
- Finally finishing your work brings an enormous sense of accomplishment and makes you feel ready to take on any project.
- It may sound like a busy way to spend a day off but I guarantee you will not regret it.
Most importantly….
- You’ll feel like writing.
I completed Operation Life Restart on Sunday. I’m ready for 2010.
