Shaping up a routine

Around the first of the year, the company I work for always puts on a special event to get employees exercising. I started and stopped the last couple years. But, this year I stuck with it. So far, I've worked out nearly every week. I missed a couple when I was sick and on vacation.

For the first time in my adult life I stick with it. There wasn't anything special about it. Oh, going with my wife to the gym helps, sure. She does look great in workout gear! But, it wasn't anything different this year.

I still hate doing it. I have sore knees. When I lift a lot, I get stiff and sore. I dread the exertion, but finally did reach a point I feel good after workouts. I haven't quite hit running 2 miles without resting, but I'm close. And, I'm already lifting more than when I started. It's progress, as long as I can keep that damn knee of mine in line.

Last week, I sat down on my couch with my laptop and actually wrote more than 500 words of fiction. I did it again last night, though it was fewer than 500 words. It was something. The writing's not terrible, and I may actually get a short story out of my efforts for once. But it won't just happen effortlessly. And, as my graduate classes ramp up again, the routine will be tough to keep.

I've been at this point before. Over a year ago I wrote a couple thousand words, but never finished. For years, I've had starts and stops, but never have much to show for it.

Writing is a lot like working out for me. No amount of reading inspiring books on writing, no amount of knowing all the tricks of the trade changes the fundamental thing. Just like braving cold January days when I don't have to work out, I also have to set aside time and write. I'll have sore knees, and I'll have frustrating sessions of only a couple hundred words.

I accept that it's exercise. It's a routine. And, it doesn't come easy. I know this isn't news to anyone. It's not news to me, either. Exercise  is good for me, but I still didn't always do it. Writing's the same way. I know what I need to do. Doing it's another thing.

I take heart in two things. First, that I can actually change my routines in life, whether working out or writing. Second, that those things shows real progress, bit by bit. The trick will be keeping that up.