Today, I write.

There is no secret bullet to success as a writer. Or, if there is, I'm not in on the secret. I am finally getting the gist of what it takes to be satisfied however, and that is making all the difference.

Intentionality is not even a word according to spellcheck (Google still likes it), but employing it has turned around my habits, and attitude. Instead of whining about the unfairness of it all, I have daily goals I'm working toward that keep me on track. I'm not talking word counts or number of pages written. No - it's more abstract than that; the non-conformist in me insists.

Instead of looking at my whole week, month or year, now I delegate to each day what I hope to accomplish:

Sunday - Worship, rest & fun
Monday - Organize & plan
Tuesday - Outreach & connect
Wednesday - Unplug & write
Thursday - Creative challenge
Friday - Finish something
Saturday - Family time & outdoor exercise

That's how it stands right now. That doesn't mean I don't let myself do other things on specific days, too - and I still try to write something every day - but what I no longer do is wake up Monday morning totally overwhelmed. I don't even have to think about tomorrow, just focus on the task at hand. Incorporating activity and family into my plan not only reinforces their importance, but makes me more intentional in the time I give to them whether or not it's on the schedule. They aren't keeping me from my life's work; they are part of it.

Your "intentions" may look entirely different. Or you may think charting is juvenile, and disregard the idea altogether. But, what is hard to ignore is the fact that I'm happier now. And more productive. 

So...If you're not happy where you are, what are you doing to improve your satisfaction?

Your standard of success and how you achieve it is up to you. Frankly, I want us all to win. But in the words of Mr. Incredible:

"We'll get there when we get there!"

Here's to an enjoyable journey!