In September 1976, the American rock band Boston released their single called “More Than a Feeling.” The song tells the story of a young man who is listening to the radio when a song comes on that reminds him of a former love.

What he experiences is “more than a feeling.”

This song could also describe writers who put in the work every day. How many times have you heard writers talk about the need to feel “inspired” or how they are waiting for the Muse to show up and give them the magic words?

The best writers know that the creative process is more than a feeling. They don’t wait for inspiration to strike.

Seth Godin talks about this in his book The Practice, which focuses on helping creative people ship their work. He says, “Your work is too important to be left to how you feel today. On the other hand, committing to action can change how we feel. If we act as though we trust the process and do the work, then the feelings will follow. Waiting for a feeling is a luxury we don’t have time for.”

Maybe you woke up feeling grumpy this morning. Maybe you feel discouraged or you’re irritated at a family member or a co-worker. Maybe you just don’t feel like writing today!

Never mind all that. Those feelings ebb and flow like all emotions do. It’s time to put on your “big boy” or “big girl” writing pants, sit down in the chair, and get to work.

Your future self will thank you.

Today’s Challenge: Ask yourself honestly if you sometimes let your emotions keep you from writing.