Brandy’s post reminded me how much I enjoy playing games. Not that I need to be reminded. We play games almost on a daily basis around here. I can’t stand for my brain to be idle and I enjoy anything that gets the wheels turning.
I love board games, card games, trivia games, there was a time when I even loved video games. Well I loved them if they involved Mario. We watch Cash Cab, Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, even Don’t Forget the Lyrics. But my favorite games are word games. I love to watch Wheel of Fortune and am often told that I should go on that show and win some money. I always wonder if I would choke. Could I handle the pressure?
Some years ago, I was watching Wheel of Fortune. This woman had ruled the wheel and methodically called out letters until Vanna had flipped the last tile and every single letter in the puzzle had been revealed to spell out “General Motors Corporation”. Now all she had to do was read the answer. She carefully and confidently read the words aloud…”General…Motors…Cooperation”.
WHAT?!?! Cooperation? What was she thinking? She basically just handed her opponent, a complete stranger, something like $12,000 (I’m not sure about the exact amount, but that’s not really the point). She choked. Big time. Was the pressure too much for her?
I think I deal with pressure pretty well. Maybe that’s why I procrastinate. I seem to work more efficiently when I absolutely have to get something done. If I have a day to clean the house, it takes that entire day, plus I don’t even get everything finished. But if I know guests are coming for dinner, I fly through this house and get it done.
I’m hoping to apply the same technique to writing. I’m not a published writer, yet, so I don’t have deadlines to meet. Well, not deadlines from a publishing company, or an editor…only the deadlines I have given myself. Oh yeah, and then there’s the pact I made with Barb that we would each hand over 10 chapters by the end of November. I wonder how far along she is. I’m doing great. I’ve almost finished um…Chapter 1.
But I’m not concerned. The pressure’s on, and that’s when I do my best work, right? That’s what I said anyway. What about you? How do you fare under pressure? Do your creative juices freeze when you’re under pressure and absolutely have to get it done? Or does that added pressure light a fire under your butt and get your mind reeling and your fingers flying?
A Wonderful Wednesday to you all and a heart felt “Thank You” to all you Veterans out there on this Veteran’s Day!
SIS Bren
I love board games, card games, trivia games, there was a time when I even loved video games. Well I loved them if they involved Mario. We watch Cash Cab, Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, even Don’t Forget the Lyrics. But my favorite games are word games. I love to watch Wheel of Fortune and am often told that I should go on that show and win some money. I always wonder if I would choke. Could I handle the pressure?
Some years ago, I was watching Wheel of Fortune. This woman had ruled the wheel and methodically called out letters until Vanna had flipped the last tile and every single letter in the puzzle had been revealed to spell out “General Motors Corporation”. Now all she had to do was read the answer. She carefully and confidently read the words aloud…”General…Motors…Cooperation”.
WHAT?!?! Cooperation? What was she thinking? She basically just handed her opponent, a complete stranger, something like $12,000 (I’m not sure about the exact amount, but that’s not really the point). She choked. Big time. Was the pressure too much for her?
I think I deal with pressure pretty well. Maybe that’s why I procrastinate. I seem to work more efficiently when I absolutely have to get something done. If I have a day to clean the house, it takes that entire day, plus I don’t even get everything finished. But if I know guests are coming for dinner, I fly through this house and get it done.
I’m hoping to apply the same technique to writing. I’m not a published writer, yet, so I don’t have deadlines to meet. Well, not deadlines from a publishing company, or an editor…only the deadlines I have given myself. Oh yeah, and then there’s the pact I made with Barb that we would each hand over 10 chapters by the end of November. I wonder how far along she is. I’m doing great. I’ve almost finished um…Chapter 1.
But I’m not concerned. The pressure’s on, and that’s when I do my best work, right? That’s what I said anyway. What about you? How do you fare under pressure? Do your creative juices freeze when you’re under pressure and absolutely have to get it done? Or does that added pressure light a fire under your butt and get your mind reeling and your fingers flying?
A Wonderful Wednesday to you all and a heart felt “Thank You” to all you Veterans out there on this Veteran’s Day!
SIS Bren
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18 comments:
Brenda,
That's stinkin' hilarious! I'm taking our challenge very seriously and while I won't disclose how far along I am, I can tell you that it's further than, um...chapter 1. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Can you hear that?
Great post though! I've seen many a people choke on Wheel of Fortune. I actually think I'd do okay. Maybe.
I'm probably better under pressure. I do almost everything last minute. But I don't think my work suffers for it but my dusty house does.
Happy Wednesday to you as well!
SIS Barb
Bren,
I definately work better under pressure, especially when it pertains to my job. I love having 5 deals working at once. Trying to keep each of them straight. Which bank is best for which deal? What are the book values of these five cars. How can I get these 5 deals in and out of the finance office quick enough so #'s 4 and 5 don't change their mind. It is quite a rush and I perform better.
I love games also. I have always told everyone that you and I need to go on a sister episode of wheel of fortune. We would kick some major butt!!!
Being an Earth sign,I don't do well under pressure. I like to go with the flow. I don't fall apart when I'm under pressure,I just don't like it. I have learned that the harder I try the harder it is to get something done. I just let go and it seems to fall into place.
Barb,
Yep, I hear the clock...I'll get it done though. Exactly how many words/paragraphs constitute a chapter?
I don't think my work suffers either. I have learned something about myself over the past couple years. I don't know that I would call myself a perfectionist, but if something isn't done correctly (when it could be) it absolutely drives me nuts.
Bren
Brandy,
It's great that you love the challenge of your work. It keeps it interesting!
You and I WOULD kick butt on WHEEL. We'll have to keep an eye out for auditions.
Bren
B.J.,
Earth sign, huh. What sign am I and how do you figure that out? Does it have to do with the Zodiac?
I would think of myself as an Earth sign. I don't like pressure either, or confrontation for that matter. I do like every thing to just go along peacefully. But when I have to work under pressure, I do okay.
You said "the harder I try, the harder it is to get something done". Does that mean that if I just chill out, my book will write itself? How wonderful is that? LOL
Bren
Depends upon what I'm writing. Articles and whatnot, I do fine. I have self imposed deadlines/goals on my fiction and a few pacts to help. It's easier when you know that someone is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter, lol!
Have a good week sisters!
Bren, Just look up your sign and it will tell you what element you are.
As for things getting harder when I try. I have been sitting here trying to think of something to post for tomorrow. The harder I tried to think of something the more frustrated I became. I got up to get something to drink and give my mind a rest and it came to me. I let it go and it worked.
Brenda, I don't remember that particular Wheel of Fortune episode but I've seen other similar screw-ups and my jaw just drops. I want to scream at the TV, "How stupid ARE you people?!" LOL!
I'm a Jeopardy fan. Love that show!
Personally, I don't think I do well under pressure. Which probably doesn't bode well for a career as a writer.
Under Pressure. Wasn't that a cool Billy Joel song?
Lately, my life seems like one gigantic pressure cooker. Mostly due to my current crushing deadline. Which is why I'm keeping this short. Shouldn't be on-line period, but wanted to check in with my SISters!
Great post, Brenda, and I'm rooting for you making that ten chap deadline. See it, Be it!
By the way, your zodiac element is 'Air'
SIS Beth
Sia,
You're right, it does make it a little easier when you know someone is waiting. I enjoy a little pressure.
I hope your weekend is great also!
SIS Bren
B.J.,
Thanks. I looked it up and I am air (the opposite of you). But did you know we are both (and Mom and Beth also)ruled by Venus. I'm sure you knew that already.
I'm glad you were able to relax and just let the idea come to you. Good for you!
SIS Bren
Tori,
I DO scream at the T.V. calling them something like "stupid idgit" or "moron". What the heck, they can't hear me. And it's much better than what my husband calls them...LOL.
SIS Bren
Beth,
Funny. When I hear the words "under pressure" I immediately think of Queen's song. Which unfortunately makes me think of Ice Ice Baby from Vanilla Ice since the bass lines are virtually the same. But that is a great song from Billy Joel.
Now get back to your writing...no pressure!
SIS Bren
Bren,
Thanks! I just got Ice Ice Baby out of my head and now you put it back in. We had a salesman with us last week that looks like Vanilla Ice. Every time he walked in the buidling the General Manager of the dealership would play that song on his computer.!
Brandy,
So sorry. I have a video somewhere of you and Barb doing a dance routine to Ice Ice Baby in Mom's living room. You were probably in middle or high school so I'll forgive you.
SIS Bren
Bren,
A chapter is definitely more than 10 words but other than that I don't really think there are too many rules. I've seen some that are 3-4 pages and others that are 40. Get busy! I have very high expectations.
Now y'all have me wondering about my earth sign. I'm off to Google!
SIS Barb
Interesting post. I can handle pressure, but I'd much rather do things at my own pace.
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