A few weeks ago, a friend—a fellow author who also blogs every day—said something to the effect of, “I can’t believe you blog every day while you work a full-time job.” I shrugged it off. My memory of the experience mostly involves having a lot of fun, the writing feeling easy, and a deep sense of fulfillment after. 

That’s not entirely truthful, though. My memory distorts things. There are incredibly difficult moments. In fact, almost every time I show up at the page, I experience the impulse to vent, “Well, this is actually really hard…”

The difference between an inconsistent practice and a consistent one is a decision. Anyone can decide to show up on an easy, good, day. The first few days usually feel like that. 

Very few people decide to show up and deliver on a difficult, bad, day. 

If you’re one of them, congratulations. You’re in the very small minority. 

If you want to take your craft seriously, you practice showing up either way. There are a million ways to show up; harness your drive and determination, redefine the scope of that day’s exercise, or setting the bar just a little bit—or a lot—lower. You’re also okay with the occasional failure to do so, and you prepare for it.

Consistency is not a consolation prize, nor is it something to take for granted.

P.S., (Now my memory is already telling me, “That wasn’t so bad, right?” Wrong!)