Practicing a specific task for a total of around 10,000 hours – that is the key to success in any field according to Malcom Gladwell.
He is the author of Outliers, which is one of my favorite books ever. And it is with this in mind (with the goal of becoming a great writer) that I decided to undertake the Post a Week WordPress challenge. My challenge to myself is to write at least 5 posts a week, while keeping computer use to a maximum of 2-3 hours per day!
WHUUUTTT???
I know right? In the past 9 months of blogging, I estimate I have spent about 1,500 blogging-related hours on the computer. At that rate, I can finish off my 10,000 hours in just 4 years and 3 months.
BUT if I limit time on the computer to 3 hours/day max , that would mean I will clock in my 10,000 hours EIGHT YEARS from now! Ack!
Yup I need to decrease computer time to help my tennis elbow and wrist injuries heal. All the tennis, yoga, baking and sewing don’t help either – SIGH! Right now no Downward Dog poses for this DiploWife!
My physical health is as important as honing my writing skills. So even if blogging is my current obsession, I need to also exert some self-control and find a balance between blogging and other activities in my life that don’t place any pressure on my wrists. (It’s going to be hard I know!)
And even if it takes me 8 years.. who cares? At least I am working towards it. And it would be nice to think that in 8 years, I will be a great writer, happy, healthy and still have full use of my hands. =)
“But the only way a writer or creator finds their way to quality is by writing – a lot of writing”
So no excuses! =)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obdd31Q9PqA]
Go, Diplo Wife! I’m sorry you hurt your wrists. No downward dog for you like you said! That’s a great stretching position, which I love! 10,000 hours. Alright. I think it’s a great idea to limit yourself to 2-3 hours on the computer. I’m going to follow your lead and do the same. 2-3 hours a day! Can I do it..?