Ending procrastination?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jill on August 24, 2009 at 1:55pm

I have the same problem. I wrote in my blog that my goal for this next year is to write more, about anything. But I've still got a long ways to go! It's hard to take time to write when you get caught up in the daily grind of everything you have to do - taking care of yourself, work, bills, errands, etc. I think I am going to have to schedule like 2 hours a week to just sit down and write. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Eric on August 24, 2009 at 3:19pm

I don't think there's a universal trick to it. I find that if I go someplace to write, or if I make it a part of "work" or a daily routine I do more. What I mean is, if I get up, shower, go out and put a letter in the mail and go back to write? I write more. If I get up and roll over to face my laptop and start writing I end up just looking at things online. That and actually relocating to write are the only things I can offer. I wrote most of my second novel at a coffee shop. Going out, buying coffee, being away from home forces me to work a little more--I guess because I made the effort to leave. Something like that. If you have a laptop or you can write longhand go out somewhere and try it.

Permalink Reply by Elle on August 24, 2009 at 6:31pm

I think I might start doing this. I have a laptop but in January bought myself a netbook to do exactly that. A little pink netbook that I can carry around anywhere - however, I've recently been taking it to work in order to write on my breaks. Maybe I should start actually going OUT to write on days off!

Permalink Reply by Heather Duthie on August 26, 2009 at 1:41pm

You know what, i'm the queen of procrastination. I can multi task, no problem! But, at the end of the day, I often sit back and am disappointed with the progress that i've made. Recently - like this week - I starting setting my hours in stone, no exceptions (keep in mind I work for myself from home), I get up, coffee, breaky, clothes, teeth, etc... then it's to work. I create a list in the morning & keep going all day (as long as it takes) until I get everything crossed off. I've learned the hard way that if I don't keep structure in my life, then I will continuely waste my time... getting very little done!

I think the most important thing is that you're honest with yourself & just do whatever it takes (like sacrificing your thighs) to get your work done. If self-bribes & military structure are your only ways of showing productive behaviour... then good on ya!

Heather Duthie
www.sweatdish.comwhat you're getting yourself into!

Permalink Reply by Mike DiGrande on August 31, 2009 at 7:26pm

Routines help, but when inspiration is lagging it's tough to get into a good frame of mind.

My suggestion is when you are writing, don't stop READING. Bombarding yourself with good authors reminds you of things like craft and might even spark ideas. Also, have people read portions of what you have. If you share what you're excited about, it might remind you of why you started it, and renew your energy to complete it.

Permalink Reply by Mila G. on September 1, 2009 at 12:24am

I've just spent the last few hours after my writing class ( which you think would inspire me to actually write) on reading other peoples blogs. Theres just points where its oh so much easier to do nothing.