Phetasy News - Trust the Process
The United States of Gerontocracy, Chris Rufo On How The Radical Left Conquered Everything, Finding the Flow, No To The Left And No To The Right, Why Antivax Is Back & Merch
If you listen to the check-in portion of my podcast, Walk-Ins Welcome, you have heard me going on and on about Paul Shirley, the coach I’ve been working with to help me get control of my writing life. Right after we moved to Texas, I hit rock bottom with my writing and work life. It felt out of control. Paul is an old friend and founder of The Process. He’s a former professional basketball player turned writer who treats what he calls “knowledge work” with the same level of focus and discipline required to be a professional athlete. He suggested we work together using his method to help me build some systems that would, in theory, make me more effective.
He’s been hard on me. He’s exacting. He’s absolutely changed my life for the better in six weeks. The first week we began it was mind-boggling just how hard it was for me to sit down and focus for even 25 minutes. I found myself wanting to leave the blank page. Every two lines I was wanting to either go Google something or check Twitter (X?). Those of you who meditate know that sensation of the monkey mind and constantly returning to the breath when you find yourself drifting into thought spirals. This was much like a mediation only it was more tangible. I had to keep pulling my monkey mind, and my physical desire to scroll or search, back to the page. It was maddening.
By week two, I was starting to feel better about things and regaining my ability to focus, which has absolutely been shredded by too much time online. But then other problems were arising, like my desire to overwork. Once I realized I could accomplish more in less time, it became a challenge for me to dial it back. Paul encouraged me to keep at it and stay focused on my values instead of my goals. He was stern but fair—always reminding me we were trying to build systems that would be sustainable for a lifetime—not get as much work done as possible.
Around week three the rubber started meeting the road and that’s exactly when my ex-husband went on life support. The Process carried me through those excruciating two weeks before he passed away; in fact, it was only because I had those systems in place that I was able to get anything done at all. Last week we took a break (as I had the funeral to attend) and made this week my final week. I was worried when I returned, I would be back to square one.
It was the exact opposite. Monday morning I sat down and got right to work. The Process was still there for me, carrying me through grief and loss and emotions, providing structure and space to focus in a chaotic time. This week I filed three pieces even on the heels of tragedy. This would have been unthinkable two months ago and I can only credit Paul and his coaching.
We are about to take off for two weeks for a much needed break. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and enjoying the last few weeks of summer. The Process isn’t just a solution to squeeze more productivity out of myself—it’s a road map for a happier life.
Thumbnail artwork by Lara Cullen.
Email laracullenstudio@gmail.com to inquire or contact her.