Member-only story
Old Habits Die Hard
Reflections on a Failed Writing Challenge
As I sit here, staring at the calendar and the looming reminder of my incomplete writing challenge, I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. “Old habits die hard,” they say, and it seems my habit of not following through on my writing goals is proving particularly resilient.
Last year, it was procrastination that got the better of me. I had grand plans and lofty aspirations, but day after day, I found reasons to put off my writing. “I’ll start tomorrow,” became my mantra, until suddenly there were no more tomorrows left in the challenge.
This year, I was determined to do better. I armed myself with strategies to combat procrastination, set up a dedicated writing space, and even told friends about my goal for accountability. But life, as it often does, had other plans. Illness swept in, leaving me with barely enough energy to get through the day, let alone pour my thoughts onto paper.
As I reflect on these two failures, I’m struck by how different they feel. Last year’s procrastination-induced defeat left a bitter taste of self-disappointment. I knew I could have done better, could have tried harder. It was a failure of will, of discipline.
This year’s setback, brought on by factors beyond my control, feels different. There’s still…
