One Sentence Is All You Need to Get Started
By: Lucy King
Tags: Productivity, Running, Fitness, Writing, Self Improvement

One Sentence Is All You Need to Get Started

Expert running tips that will also improve your writing.

Photo by Kristian Egelund on Unsplash

As my profile states I walk or run 10,000 steps everyday.

That’s about 7.5 km.

And you know what?

I never feel like doing those 10,000 steps.

Whether you are a professional athlete or a newbie, there are plenty of days you won’t feel like working out.

Life gets busy.

The weather is poor.

The desire to flop down on a sofa and watch Netflix is strong.

The trick is to go even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t sit around waiting for the moment when you feel like going for a run, because that moment may never come.

A run is always worth it.

Running fills a person with a sense of “I can do anything.”

Knowing this I block the voice in my head that wants me to stay exactly where I am. That lazy voice is not my friend.

Because I run and write I can’t help but notice similarities between the two.

1) Getting started is hard

When you come home from a run you’ll be glad you didn’t listen to the lazy voice inside your head.

“I really regret that run.” — Said no one. Ever.

The same goes for writing. The first few sentences are the hardest, especially if you’re a procrastinator like me. Write something instead of nothing. Get it down. Write one true sentence. You might change it later, but it’s a start.

Once you are warmed up both writing and running are easier.

2) Persistence is key

Seven years ago I trained for my first marathon. It was a life changing experience and I have not stopped running since. I know how hard it is to regain fitness when I stop. This motivates me to keep up workouts.

The key for success at anything is to do it on a regular basis and set incremental goals. Writing is no exception. It is only with practice that your talent amplifies and grows. You build up momentum and readership overtime.

Every run and story is important.

3) Results vary

Some days I have incredible workouts. Other days I am slow and lethargic. To stay motivated I shake it up. I enjoy running trails, swimming, yoga and hiking. I vary the intensity. I know I risk burn out or injury otherwise.

When it comes to writing, some days I am inspired and words flow. Other days less so. On days when I need a break from long-form stories, I turn to poetry and haiku. It flexes a different muscle and refreshes my writing mojo.

Don’t give up simply because you have an off day (or week or month).

4) Scheduling helps

Like most people I struggle with conflicting priorities. When demands overwhelm I often get things done through sheer bloody mindedness. I exercise and write on certain days of the week and if that means I wake up earlier than the sparrows so be it.

Scheduling helps manifest your goals.

5) Comparison has it uses.

When I race my goal is to improve my personal best. I follow the pacemakers to make sure I am running at the desired speed. Running alongside a pacer helps me realize my goals.

Likewise with writing there are certain people you keep an eye on. They are like pacemakers in a race. Their achievements inspire and spur you on to greater things.

Sometimes you can’t keep up the pace and that’s okay. We all have different starting lines when it comes to writing.

The key is to give it your best shot and never stop trying to improve.

6) Anyone can do it.

You don’t have to be good at running to lay claim to the title of “runner”. All you need is to put on running shoes and head out the door. If you’ve overcome that lazy voice in your head you’re already a winner!

By the same token, it doesn’t matter if you are not very good at writing yet. Writing is a disciplined craft. Like any craft it is only with practice your talent amplifies and grows.

If there are naysayers in your life, ignore them.

The last word

Running and writing might appear as polar extremes. One requires a high level of physical exertion; the other is a cerebral activity. Yet running is as much of a disciple as writing. You do both whether you feel like it or not. You make them part of your daily routine.

Some days you’ll want to quit writing or running but you don’t. You dig deep. You commit. You continue until one day they are part of your identity.

When that lazy voice tries to dissuade you, remember this:

One step.

One sentence.

That’s all you need to get started.

Thank you for reading!