I’ve learned some pretty intense lessons about what it means to be a writer, the first (and possibly most important) of which is: writing sucks.

Those who have produced truly great things almost always find enclaves of like-souls with whom they can express themselves freely, and without judgement — engaging throughout their imperfect processes and without the burden of having to perform for the fickle, intolerant or unfulfilled masses who are simply looking for, at best a diversion; at worst, things to criticize in order to relive their own existential discomfort.

A couple weeks ago I decided to make some lifestyle changes that I hoped would help me with my writing. This experiment is based on the research I’ve done around cognitive health and neuroplasticity, and in reading the personal stories of creatives I admire. A common theme I’ve discovered is how vital it is to have control of my mind and be able to apply it with great energy toward whatever endeavor I’m currently immersed in birthing creatively. My goal, then, is to sit down to write each day with a brain that is still and clear, free of distraction. I want an open, fertile, equanimous mind that can be focused without excessively taxing myself cognitively.