My long-time friend and favourite resource, the Concise Oxford Dictionary defines overhaul as, “to take to pieces in order to examine and repair if necessary.” I’ve been undergoing an overhaul of my own making since the beginning of the year. 

It began with the need to overhaul this blog–just like renovations on an old house, that project expanded into an evaluation of my creative journey, which led to a thorough examination of my daily routines, which forced an honest overhaul of those habits I considered time-wasting with no payoff.

My goal is to be more creatively productive.

“Choose your hard,” is a saying in the business world: Making sales calls is hard. Not making sales calls could lead to hard consequences, …so… choose wisely. My hard choice is to begin and finish a rough draft of a novel in 2026. As a goal, it’s like looking up a long, long, long flight of stairs with a heavy backpack on legs that are already tired.

The question is, “Why bother?” Really, I don’t have to do anything.

The answer is, “Because life is short and getting shorter.”

I spent half my life envious of the talent of others, mistakenly thinking I was not a creative person. Truth is, I like being engaged with a creative project. It gives power and substance to my days. I could abandon this whole idea of a novel, but I’m certain my internal voice would become a consistent reproach, a constant prickle to my self-esteem.

Now, when people ask me what I do, I don’t say, “I’m retired.” I say, “I’m a writer,” and I don’t flinch.

I may change my choice of project, I do have more than one concept in the bright ideas pile. The storyline I’ve chosen feels enormous, but that could be my own resistance talking. Stephen Pressfield, author of the War of Art believes that when an artist feels strong resistance to a specific project, that’s the one they need to create. Besides, it’s too early to abandon this one. I’ve barely taken the first steps.

So far, this personal overhaul feels good. There is wisdom in that simple dictionary definition; “to take to pieces, examine and repair if necessary.”

Keep your joy.

Contentment is for Cows: Short and sweet reflections on life’s complications.

Posted every Sunday, unless it’s a holiday or summertime.