This last week I finished revisions on my next novel, turned in the story selections for an anthology I was editing, illustrated a different anthology, put up a segment of serial fiction on my blog, and this morning I’m sitting here thinking “I haven’t gotten anything done…”

The human mind has an immense capacity to fool itself. Yes, there are things on my to-do list that haven’t happened yet. Yes, I did add a bunch of unexpected and unplanned – but not unwelcome! – work to my week due to unforeseen circumstances. Notice all those un’s there? You can make plans, but that doesn’t mean you get to keep them.

When things come up and you know you must make changes, then take the time to triage your lists:

I’ve started keeping a physical day planner, which helps me not only bring forward tasks not completed on an assigned day (and thereby not losing track of them) but also gives me a way to look back and see that yes, I did get stuff done. When my brain plays tricks on me, I have evidence to shut it up. This keeps me from spiraling into doubt which then keeps me from performing as I need to get everything done (eventually). It’s a work in progress. I’ve been doing this for just over a month, and I have to say that it’s working for me. Might not for you – there are very few one-size-fits-all solutions.

One of those everyone needs to do it things that will improve your mood and productivity? Put everything down. Shove your phone deep in a pocket if you can’t bear to be separated from it by more than a few feet. Go for a walk. Get some sun on your face. And before you say in the comments “It’s raining! It’s cold! It’s…” stop and think. Can you bundle up and stay warm? If not, wait a day and you’re far enough south it will be warmer. If yes, then do that and go out. How hard is it raining? Will it be raining tomorrow? The day after? Order a full spectrum light or lightbulb for your desk lamp, and do that as a pale substitute for the star our planet swings around. But get outside as soon as you can, for no less than fifteen minutes in a day. Can’t spare fifteen minutes? Re-evaluate your schedule.

Now. I need to get a tarp for the truck, because I’m going to go get a load of dirt. God bless Texas, I can garden year-round and the benefit to my health and happiness is incalculable. Yes, there are writing tasks to be done. hoo boy are there ever. I will think about them while I exercise and get grubby and shower, and then I’ll be fresh and bursting with inspiration to get at them again.

You can do this. I know you can. I can do this, and I will. See you next week!