How I Stay Determined When Everything Feels Hard
Writing online and mental illness.
Hi there!
Creating online content is hard. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing it, but that love isn’t blind.
When you have a job, you have structure. You know when you need to go to work, what you should do while you are there, and receive the training you need to do it.
As a blogger, it’s all on you. Most of us work a 9-5, at least in the beginning, which adds a hurdle to the obstacle course. You have to find the time to do the work, determine what needs to be done, and figure out how to do it.
It’s no wonder so many writers give up in their first year.
“Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
- Reggie Leach
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
Mental illness
When you’re fighting a mental illness, it’s a lot like being an online content creator.
You have to schedule your time, including when to rest and practice self-care. It’s up to you to take your medications and get to doctor’s appointments. You must find your path to stability by figuring out what works for you and what doesn’t.
And it’s hard.
I would love to tell you it all becomes easy one day, but that would be a disservice to you. You can improve a lot by creating habits. For example, building a habit to take your meds at the same time each day or to go to bed or get up on a schedule.
But other aspects remain challenging.
I despise every pill I put in my mouth, and a nagging voice in the back of my head tells me every time I don’t need it. I loathe going to see my doctor, even though he’s a great guy, and I hate opening up to him about how I’m really doing.
Yet, I understand my responsibility.
Confronting your challenges
Just like creating content, my mental health is mine to manage. It’s up to me to make sure everything gets done. You have a similar responsibility.
One key to success is determination.
Make a promise to yourself that you will do what needs to be done. Vow to take your pills no matter how much you don’t want to do it. Force yourself to get the rest you need and to eat nutritious meals. Stay connected to your care team and open up about how you are feeling.
Many online writers become best-selling authors. The possibility keeps me writing even when I want to quit. I can see the books on my shelf, and if I work hard, they will become a reality.
In the same way, you can live a full life with your mental illness. Visualize the life you want, then work toward it every day.
Journal Prompt: What steps can you start today to improve your mental health? How can you start doing those steps today?
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a story starting with the words, “Let me tell you about how that happened.”
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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