Why Writing is Like Power Lifting

WelcomeWelcome to my monthly post in participation of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG). If you have never heard of it, check it out!!!

After a full day of writing yesterday, followed by more writing this morning, I decided to take a break and get some exercise. It’s been raining, a lot, so I chose the gym. When I am cooped up inside, I like intense activities. They are effective and efficient. Power lifting meets this criteria.

As I positioned myself under the bar, setting up for my first set of squats, the striking similarities between writing my first fiction book and power lifting shot through my mind.

Breaking it down into pieces. Power Lifting. One move at a time. One weight increment at a time. One set at a time. Just like writing a book. One chapter at a time. One scene at a time. One paragraphs at a time. One phrase at a time. Anything is do-able. If it seems too incomprehensible, break it into pieces. 

Setup. Setting up the bar. Putting on the weights, making sure they are secure. Just like opening your book, and picking your pen for the day. Position yourself under the bar, checking your stance in the mirror. Jotting down the outline for the day. Point form each section. Take the time to setup properly. Proper form equals quality prose.

Focus. Looking at yourself in the mirror. Meeting your own gaze, the physical being that you sculpted. Looking down at your notepad, the words staring back at you. Meeting your own creativity, the very words that seeped from your soul. Take a deep breath. Let go of any thoughts that are holding you back. Choose thoughts that will propel you forward.

Believe. In what? In yourself. It’s time. You’ve broken it into pieces. You’ve done the setup. You’re mind is focused. Physically you can lift that weight. Physically you can write those words. Now you just have to believe. You’ve got this. You can do this. You will do this.

The weight is lifted.

The book is written.