WRITE TO FLOURISH
The tiniest steps along the path to creativity will propel you forwards with passion and delight, discovers Jackee Holder
Recently, I carried out a poll to discover what it was that prevented people from journalling. Where to start and not having enough time were amongst the top responses. So, this month, I want to introduce a very simple tool that will help you pick up your journal even at times when you really don’t feel like it.
The MicroMOVEment Wheel is the brainchild of international bestselling writer SARK – aka Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy. Several years ago, I attended a writing retreat with SARK on the island of Hawaii, and we used the MicroMOVEment Wheel as a creative planning tool for our writing projects and goals. SARK describes creating this method so she could write what she dreamed of, while still sometimes procrastinating, avoiding, and resisting writing.
I’ve used the MicroMOVEment wheel time and time again with my own writing and creative projects, and I’ve taken this simple tool into my coaching work with leaders. It has allowed them to get writing and other tasks done in between all the other things that they have to deal with. The medicine with this approach is breaking your actions down into the smallest, tiniest steps. Here’s how it works: take a blank sheet of paper and draw a large circle, and then another smaller circle in the middle. In the centre circle, write down what you are inspired to achieve. Remember, journalling does not need to feel like a chore or yet another thing to do in your day. So come up with descriptions for your journalling or projects that are inspiring and energising.
Next, divide the rest of the circle into eight equal segments. These are what SARK refers to as the MicroMOVEments. Each MicroMOVEment is five minutes in length. So, in the case of journalling, that would represent a minimum of up to five minutes of journalling in one sitting, on any given day.
Let’s say you’re new to journalling. By setting aside five minutes out of your day, you could write one word in your notebook that sums up a feeling or an experience. Next, list any associated words, images or thoughts that are triggered by the word. Another option could be to write a couple of sentences about your day. The idea of the MicroMOVEment is to create easy steps to get your journal writing or writing projects moving. When you keep the steps small, not only is it doable and achievable, it’s a tested route to
