If you need to figure out where your values truly lie, try doing a project on a deadline.

From the way I talk about running, you’d think I’d care about getting a good time at the 5k I’m running with my sister next month. However, I’ve only gone to the gym five times this October. When I’m on deadline for this book, I “don’t have time” to train.

Meanwhile, Saturday night found me tipsily poring over my Japanese textbook after hosting a Halloween party. I’ve written 5,000 words of a 10,000 word contract with one week to go, but no worries. Of course I’ve got time to hang out with friends, get drunk, and study Japanese.

I have time to watch my favorite anime as soon as it comes out, but I “don’t have time” to cook healthy dinners this week. I have time to take a walk in the park, but not to do the laundry. I’ve got time to talk on the phone with a friend for hours, but sorry, I can’t come out tonight because I’ve got a book due soon!

There’s never going to be room in your life for a book. If you’re going to prioritize one because of a contract or willpower or otherwise, you’re going to have to make room, and you might be surprised at the life obligations from which you choose to take that time. I didn’t say it’d be pretty, but it will certainly be eye opening.

It’s crunch time on this book and I think I can just make it if I work hard this week. I just have to make sure that prioritizing this project isn’t just a self-deluding way of avoiding the things I don’t want to do.

Writing a book in seven weeks, part 5

Writing a book in seven weeks, part 4

Writing a book in seven weeks, part 3

Writing a book in seven weeks, part 2

Writing a book in seven weeks, part 1

Photo of my party cupcakes via my Instagram.