Share one thing you’ll do less of in April. Write it in ALL CAPS, e.g., LESS WORRYING, etc. and tell us a bit about it.
Find another person whose less-in resonates with you, introduce yourself, and respond to them.
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I love this one. After spending 3 days battling a fierce cold, I finally woke up today with energy to walk my dogs. But my body is so stiff from being still! I won't take my mobility for granted again.
Yes, same! I removed Instagram and Facebook from my phone, and the benefits of the time I’ve gotten back outweighs the FOMO. I feel so good.. I may never re-download them…
Online networking, or groups, can definitely chip away at the work hours. I had to cut back on my online writers groups and in person Toastmasters meetings.
LESS CORPORATE WRITING. I want to shift from my decades of reliable, safe and well-paid corporate writing to the writing that makes my heart soar--essays here on Substack, novel writing, travel writing, and ghostwriting of books on topics I really care about, ideally in the self-growth/self-discovery sphere. (I have experience as a ghostwriter of business leadership books). April is my birthday month. My 64th birthday. An emancipation birthday. The first year where my divorce is fully in the rear view mirror. What's next? It feels like I am entering the second half of life, that I am midstory. But I need to tap into my bravery when it comes to how I earn my living as a writer (a writer who also needs to earn enough to support herself and save for retirement).
Yes! Don’t waste another second! Maybe you can cut down on the main hustle to carve out a few weekly hours for a side hustle? If you had the time, what would be the first thing you wrote?
LESS FRETTING ~ This past few years I have fretted about changes in long-term and long distance friendships and haven't been able to accept that friendships can change over time. This has caused me pain, and I'm determined to quit worrying about this and invest in people without expectations.
LESS PERSONAL SPENDING. Things have tightened up. All through the inflation crises I managed without a problem. I even went through a long strike that when over left me still worse off with the inflation rate. The pressure has risen. So now I will not be spending any money on non-essentials. 😭
Hubby and I are doing the same thing. This weekend we're evaluating our spending over the past 12 months and comparing it to our income, and seeing if we can spend or if we need to cut back.
It is always good to make assessments. I am weekly paid and I do manage to save around 25% of my wages but sometimes at the end of the month I have to shift savings to my current account for the bill DDs to get paid. If I stop everything unnecessary at least my savings account will increase. After years of spending all I wasn’t and then getting debt when a large expenditure (replacement of a machine). I have a mortgage, other than that I will not take debt out. I hope 😊
It is a little late for me. I have a work pension and intent to retire when I reach state pension age in a few years. Hopefully I will be healthy enough to dedicate my life to full time writing.
YES! This is a big one for me too. I have been playing with putting things out almost as soon as I've written them, and not doing my usual: letting them sit, cutting more, thinking more, etc. I'm working up to publishing things without thinking twice--just as an experiment, to see what the responses are.
But don't you love the kind of revising you get to do by draft 8!? I love, love working on later / more polished drafts. It feels like putting icing on the cake, finally getting to nail down word choices after draft upon draft of trying to get the plot and character right. Good luck and enjoy!!
Yes! I love my story so much more now. I get a little thrill because all the threads and twists and reveals are coming together and it’s so much fun seeing the story evolve. My goal is to write an uplifting and entertaining story and I think this draft is a lot closer. Not ready for the fine tuning of word choice yet, but close! Thanks for the reminder!
I spent 40 hours one week learning languages when I could've been resting because I was off work. I'm now taking rest more seriously and making sure I give myself time to relax.
LESS outlining and MORE actual writing. I finished my first novel a month ago and thought I had this problem licked… little did I know it would be waiting for me on the other side at the beginning of the second book 🙂
I’m gonna resist offering more things, more posts, more notes, more things for public consumption and focus on long walks, taking photos, and just being bored for a bit.
SUBSCRIBING TO NEWSLETTERS WITH LITTLE/NO FREE CONTENT
I now recognize that there's a limit to the number of subscriptions I can pay for and will unsubscribe if I notice a newletter doesn't offer any substantial free content for 2 months or more, even if I like the theme.
LESS CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK! I do my best work when I just let go, and focus. Plus I’m with you on the less worrying, always worrying about the future but all will be well. 💛
Is it possible to still do the steps of letting ideas and written thoughts sit, cutting them, thinking more, etc. but in a super fast agile way? If so, this is what I’m doing. Less deliberating and more listening and trusting my instincts for creativity. That’s joy!
It’s funny I keep thinking less of what…and mind switches to more of that…like MORE DECLUTTERING, MORE WALKING, MORE TENNIS, MORE ORGANIZATION…I’m wondering if it’s the same psychological effect…so I switched again to…LESS CLUTTER, LESS SITTING, LESS DISORGANIZATION…what do you think?
I love this, Zoe! I like how you're focusing on what's in your direct control (the work itself) rather than what isn't (how people will respond to the work).
LESS DRINKING. I don't drink a lot to start with, but I'm finding that as I get older, any amount of alcohol (even just 2-3 drinks per week) doesn't sit well with me. And it's expensive! For me, it's time to take a break from booze, I think.
MUCH LESS ANXIETY last month was crazy and headed nowhere good, physically or mentally. I rediscovered small amounts of edibles to take the edge off and that was a lifesaver.
I think I'm going to do less procrastinating. I have so much to get done, including finding a new job, and I just keep putting things off. Enough. Grief can only be an excuse for so long.
SIT
I love this one. After spending 3 days battling a fierce cold, I finally woke up today with energy to walk my dogs. But my body is so stiff from being still! I won't take my mobility for granted again.
This is great. I'm doing this one, too.
LESS SCROLLING
I love this one. I seriously think scrolling has led to a decreased attention span for me.
Yes! I'm sure if we all cut back on scrolling/social media and put that time in our work, we would be amazed at how much we complete.
Yes, same! I removed Instagram and Facebook from my phone, and the benefits of the time I’ve gotten back outweighs the FOMO. I feel so good.. I may never re-download them…
Yes!
NETWORK I joined a lot of groups over the winter, and now that I know more, I'll be culling the ones I find less useful.
Online networking, or groups, can definitely chip away at the work hours. I had to cut back on my online writers groups and in person Toastmasters meetings.
No these are in person, but same thing really. I have to budget my time.
OPPOSING
Amen.
LESS CORPORATE WRITING. I want to shift from my decades of reliable, safe and well-paid corporate writing to the writing that makes my heart soar--essays here on Substack, novel writing, travel writing, and ghostwriting of books on topics I really care about, ideally in the self-growth/self-discovery sphere. (I have experience as a ghostwriter of business leadership books). April is my birthday month. My 64th birthday. An emancipation birthday. The first year where my divorce is fully in the rear view mirror. What's next? It feels like I am entering the second half of life, that I am midstory. But I need to tap into my bravery when it comes to how I earn my living as a writer (a writer who also needs to earn enough to support herself and save for retirement).
Do it!
Thanks for the encouragement. I am working towards this particular LESS OF.
I relate to this SO much, Amy.
Amy, I’ll echo Sarah - I know you can do it, with all your writing skills. And check out the community of [b]old women writers I’ve started: https://debbieweil.substack.com/p/calling-all-bold-women-please-introduce
Oh! I’m an old woman writer! 😉
Yes! Don’t waste another second! Maybe you can cut down on the main hustle to carve out a few weekly hours for a side hustle? If you had the time, what would be the first thing you wrote?
That your spirit is indomitable is clear! You are in a unique position now to live a very full life. All the best to you!
LESS FRETTING ~ This past few years I have fretted about changes in long-term and long distance friendships and haven't been able to accept that friendships can change over time. This has caused me pain, and I'm determined to quit worrying about this and invest in people without expectations.
Tonda...I haven't thought of that! I'll really have to think about that because I think that's important!
I'm with you!
LESS PERSONAL SPENDING. Things have tightened up. All through the inflation crises I managed without a problem. I even went through a long strike that when over left me still worse off with the inflation rate. The pressure has risen. So now I will not be spending any money on non-essentials. 😭
Hubby and I are doing the same thing. This weekend we're evaluating our spending over the past 12 months and comparing it to our income, and seeing if we can spend or if we need to cut back.
It is always good to make assessments. I am weekly paid and I do manage to save around 25% of my wages but sometimes at the end of the month I have to shift savings to my current account for the bill DDs to get paid. If I stop everything unnecessary at least my savings account will increase. After years of spending all I wasn’t and then getting debt when a large expenditure (replacement of a machine). I have a mortgage, other than that I will not take debt out. I hope 😊
Same here. No debt life makes this dream possible.
Saaaaame.
I'm with you on this. Saving for my old age.
It is a little late for me. I have a work pension and intent to retire when I reach state pension age in a few years. Hopefully I will be healthy enough to dedicate my life to full time writing.
Thinking (too much) before I act creatively. Experiment!
Yup!
Hi Beth!
YES! This is a big one for me too. I have been playing with putting things out almost as soon as I've written them, and not doing my usual: letting them sit, cutting more, thinking more, etc. I'm working up to publishing things without thinking twice--just as an experiment, to see what the responses are.
Ooh, that's a good one. I'd like to do less of that, too.
LESS PROCRASTINATING and more revising Draft 8 of my novel.
I know that feeling. Draft eight is impressive. I think the one I am suppose to write the follow up took three drafts and near endless revision after!
Draft 8 includes three rounds of intense revisions, so you know what it's like. Writing is hard AF, but I can't stop myself!
I think when the writing bug gets you, you just can’t stop. I think it particularly applies to writing fiction.
But don't you love the kind of revising you get to do by draft 8!? I love, love working on later / more polished drafts. It feels like putting icing on the cake, finally getting to nail down word choices after draft upon draft of trying to get the plot and character right. Good luck and enjoy!!
Yes! I love my story so much more now. I get a little thrill because all the threads and twists and reveals are coming together and it’s so much fun seeing the story evolve. My goal is to write an uplifting and entertaining story and I think this draft is a lot closer. Not ready for the fine tuning of word choice yet, but close! Thanks for the reminder!
LESS OBSESSIVELY CLEANING THE KITCHEN. Once a day. Once. A. Day.
Once. A. Day. (That will be a challenge for me.)
Applying this just to the couch cushions 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
I always forget about those and then the kids pull them off to use as an obstacle course and I’m HORRIFIED.
LESS OVERWORKING.
I spent 40 hours one week learning languages when I could've been resting because I was off work. I'm now taking rest more seriously and making sure I give myself time to relax.
Hear you!
I need to have this conversation with myself all the time and remind myself that it's important to take breaks even from the work that you enjoy.
LESS outlining and MORE actual writing. I finished my first novel a month ago and thought I had this problem licked… little did I know it would be waiting for me on the other side at the beginning of the second book 🙂
Looove outlining.
I loved it so much it started resenting me 🙂
LESS STRIVING TO DO MORE MORE MORE
I’m gonna resist offering more things, more posts, more notes, more things for public consumption and focus on long walks, taking photos, and just being bored for a bit.
Me too!! You inspire me.
Noise. ❤️
Yup.
LESS YOUTUBING 👩💻
I feel this a lot! I especially want to get less sucked into the short form/vertical/TikTok-style videos on there…
LESS NEGATIVE THINKING. I’m trying to stay on the positivity train as much as I can. Looking to get derailed less often.
Yes!
I like to call it harmful thinking, because who wants to harm themselves?
I like that reframing, Anaria!
SUBSCRIBING TO NEWSLETTERS WITH LITTLE/NO FREE CONTENT
I now recognize that there's a limit to the number of subscriptions I can pay for and will unsubscribe if I notice a newletter doesn't offer any substantial free content for 2 months or more, even if I like the theme.
Good idea.
I am just reducing subscriptions because I don't have the time or capacity for everything I have signed up to free or not. 😁
So true.
I feel like this something I could tackle too. Right after procrastination.
LESS DISTRACTIONS
Yes.
LESS URGENCY, more serenity.
I feel that.
LESS CABLE NEWS and more political activism (like writing postcards to voters.)
Also, I love your name: Ms. Writer.
Wow!
COMPARISON TO OTHERS
amen to that!
Right?!! Talk about a joy-killer!
and a time suck with all the energy spent thinking I'm doing "it" all wrong...whatever "it" is.
LESS THEN/WHEN : more NOW
Rather than re-play yesterday and anticipate what tomorrow is bringing, stay in today.
I'm with you.
Uhuh!!
LESS EXPLAINING MYSELF TO PEOPLE WHO WON’T GET IT—major time suck and my confidence always takes a hit.
Oooof. I feel this.
UH! Yes!
Ooooo yeah
LESS CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK! I do my best work when I just let go, and focus. Plus I’m with you on the less worrying, always worrying about the future but all will be well. 💛
Yes. One is completely tied to the other!
Hi Rebecca!
Is it possible to still do the steps of letting ideas and written thoughts sit, cutting them, thinking more, etc. but in a super fast agile way? If so, this is what I’m doing. Less deliberating and more listening and trusting my instincts for creativity. That’s joy!
It’s funny I keep thinking less of what…and mind switches to more of that…like MORE DECLUTTERING, MORE WALKING, MORE TENNIS, MORE ORGANIZATION…I’m wondering if it’s the same psychological effect…so I switched again to…LESS CLUTTER, LESS SITTING, LESS DISORGANIZATION…what do you think?
LESS TIME FOCUSSED GOALS
I’m leaning into the trust and experience of growth as inevitable when I share my work.
It felt fun to kinda gamify subscriber count, but when I smashed my goal to reach 300 by end of March I realised I could go two ways:
- Be tempted to set wilder goals by end of X month
- Just fucking enjoy myself regardless
I’m going for the latter, at least until it feels true and fun and aligned to set a new time focussed goal.
I love this, Zoe! I like how you're focusing on what's in your direct control (the work itself) rather than what isn't (how people will respond to the work).
LESS DRINKING. I don't drink a lot to start with, but I'm finding that as I get older, any amount of alcohol (even just 2-3 drinks per week) doesn't sit well with me. And it's expensive! For me, it's time to take a break from booze, I think.
MUCH LESS ANXIETY last month was crazy and headed nowhere good, physically or mentally. I rediscovered small amounts of edibles to take the edge off and that was a lifesaver.
I think I'm going to do less procrastinating. I have so much to get done, including finding a new job, and I just keep putting things off. Enough. Grief can only be an excuse for so long.