writers life

Write Every Day

December 1, 2022 by Marcus Leave a Comment

write every day

I don’t wait for inspiration. I never have. To become a writer, I learned to write every day. No matter what, no matter when.

Make the Time to Write

In the beginning, after I realized that I wanted to write, it wasn’t easy finding the time to put words to the page. At the time, I was in university, and my love for words overwhelmed. When I should have been studying or writing term papers, I was writing very bad stories and having fun at open mic nights. I don’t know how I finished my degree when I was channelling most of my efforts into writing.

And for every 9-5ish job I have had, I have always woken up early to write. Either in a coffeeshop before heading to the office or at home. And I would spend my lunch hour writing. During my time as a flight attendant, I wrote after a long flight to London or Copenhagen or Dublin. It did not matter that I had been up all night or that my eyelids sagged, I sat down at the desk in my hotel room—or ventured to a nearby cafe—to write. It became a habit.

Focus on What You Do

Some days, I manage a scant 250 words. Other days, it can be anywhere between 1,200 and 2,00 words. The point is this: I write. No matter how I feel, no matter my level of motivation. I don’t worry about how perfect it is or if anyone will like it. I just write every day.

Because this is what I have learned. When you show up every day to do the one thing you’re most passionate about, it is a sign of your commitment. It moves you closer to the end game, and ups the odds in your favour. When you write every day, it hones your skills and helps you become better.

Write Every Day

When I write every day, it brings excitement at seeing the progress being made, and it keeps the momentum going. Do it long enough, without fail, and it’ll show you who you really are.

Primal: The Art of Slowing Down

February 20, 2020 by Marcus 1 Comment

Right now, I’m on a fairly long stretch of days off from my day job (Hallelujah!). Nine days in total to do as I please (it’s Day 3). That means: 1) focusing on my running and hitting (or hopefully exceeding) my weekly goal of 50 kilometres; 2) making significant progress on my writing projects (I’m working on two books at the same time); and 3) taking time to recharge. But I’ve never been good at really slowing down or the art of rest. [Read more…] about Primal: The Art of Slowing Down

Going Dark

November 27, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Crossing the finish line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2019.

This year has been about living my best life — doing what I love and staying focused on what matters. It challenged me to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of and step outside of my comfort zone, when going dark and off the grid was what I often craved.

The Struggle and the Prize

It wasn’t always easy. There were times when writing Broken Man Broke almost ‘broke’ me. Training for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, I didn’t always feel like running — especially when it rained or when the temperatures soared to 40°C. Some days, trying to be the best version of myself meant fending off the doubt and negativity that battled for dominion. But I didn’t give up, wouldn’t be beaten. I kept my eye on the prize and pushed on to live the life I imagined for myself. [Read more…] about Going Dark

Language Matters

October 2, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Every morning when we rise out of bed, we can choose to be happy about what lies ahead or let negativity rule the day. It’s a choice between being a positive influence in the world and for the people who surround us or constantly criticizing them and cutting them down. And if we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s this. Language matters.

Language Matters

language matters What if we choose language that lifts each other up and helps us reach our collective potential instead of the inflammatory, insensitive and incendiary speech permeating public discourse? What would the world look like?

In an age of negativity and increasing narcissism, language is a bridge that can unite us and change the course of history. Now is the time to use language that matters … if we dare to change the world.

Do you have a positive outlook on life? How do you maintain it? Are you surrounded by negativity? What are your coping mechanisms? Click Reply to let me know. I love hearing from you!

Comitted to the Cause

September 25, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Last Friday, I woke up earlier than normal because I still needed to get in my long run for the week. My distance goal that morning was 26 km. Even before I left the house at 4:36 am, I knew something was off. I wasn’t sure what was ‘off’ until I was about five kilometres into the run as the muscles in my legs burned, my hips locked, and I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. At that moment, I knew exactly what was ‘off.’ It was me. I wasn’t committed.

Visualize

committed — A brief stop during my long run to capture this view of Toronto from the Humber Bay Arch Bridge (21 September 2019)

Following my training schedule for the upcoming Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Wednesdays or Thursdays are dedicated to long runs (26-37 km). Last week, though, with my day job and dealing with jet lag, everything shifted. When it came time to run Friday morning, I wasn’t prepared mentally.

Five years ago, I wasn’t good at visualization. But two years ago, when I started ramping up my running, I found myself visualizing my long runs (at that point 13 km) the night before and in the morning before heading out the door. I could see the point on the Martin Goodman Trail I had to reach before turning around if I wanted to make the distance. In my head, I figured out where during the run I’d lose energy and the affirmations I’d use to dig deep and keep going. Before I even slipped on my runners, I was committed.

Noncommittal

When I hit the trail last Friday, I wasn’t committed. I hadn’t done any of my pre-run rituals. Hadn’t visualized the route or the challenges (mental and physical) that I’d encounter along the way. Hadn’t developed the mental toughness to push through the pain and doubt to meet my goal. I wasn’t in the game.

I tried to keep going, each step more painful than the last. And even though I kept telling myself I could do it, at the 10 km mark I turned around and headed home, running a total distance of 13.3 km. That was, to me, a failure. Because I hadn’t committed to the run. I hadn’t committed to doing my best.

Committed

Whether it’s with my running or writing, the way I succeed is by showing up committed to the task at hand. It is my singular focus. If I’m not one hundred percent present, then I become vulnerable to distractions and self-doubt. I end up ‘off my game,’ and my goals either take longer to achieve or fail spectacularly.

Aristotle told us, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives — choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

And I agree.

Do you show up committed to your goals and dreams? Do you have any rituals that help you succeed? Click Reply to let me know. I love hearing from you!