Writer's Block Commitments

Do you know the differences among dreams, goals and commitments? Dreams come to us almost unbidden, although Carlos Castaneda's mentor, Don Juan, taught his followers to enter and control their dreams. The practice of guided dreaming is a long and arduous one. Let's narrow the question to daydreams. What is it about daydreams -- of writing flawlessly in the flow, being a published author, enjoying subsequent successes -- that sets them apart from goals or commitments? It is this: dreams require absolutely no energy. We don't have to do anything, and still we have our dreams. They are very seductive.

Unpublished writers who tell me proudly, "But I still have my dreams!" suggest that they experience only big visions and little actions. Dreams will not become reality without additional effort on your part. That's where the goals and commitments begin, after the dream, the vision.

A goal makes the dream more concrete, more tangible and more probable of attaining reality. Goals are part of a plan, a map. Goals can be mileposts on the road to success. In fact, I encourage celebrating all the small successes along the way to fulfilling your dream. If you plan those celebrations in advance, you will have thought out your pathway and the steps you must take to bring that dream to fruition.

Still, how many trips are planned and marked out on a map, but never taken? What's missing is making the choice to move yourself from the block that is often a fear of failure (perfectionism and procrastination are the most common expressions of this). Commitment is the promise that you will act, invest energy, inconvenience yourself, go without, do whatever it takes to reach those goals. Ironically, you will begin to find that the commitment itself becomes a source of energy and comfort when your physical side flags or your emotions drag you down. And you can renew your commitment, just as married couples renew their wedding vows--different kinds of promises--to replenish your resources.

Use various physical means to remind yourself of your commitment. Some cultures promote "promise rings" for other reasons, but there's no reason why you can't wear something to remind you of the commitment(s) you've made to fulfill your dream via the goals you've set. You can also speak your vow to others, make them public and let your friends participate and support you in reaching each goal. They will certainly be happy to join in each celebration!