Procrastination is not a new issue – it’s one we’ve talked about before many times, but somehow it keeps cropping up, because we’re human!
So here’s an idea, if you are procrastinating with your writing:
1. Sit down with your writing journal and get quiet.
2. Write down at least 10 reasons why you are procrastinating, as they come to your mind. These could be as varied as I’m too busy, I don’t want to upset my significant other by disappearing off to write, I don’t have clarity on what’s happening, so it’s become too difficult (and I choose to do something fun and easy instead!), my writing is rubbish so why bother… and you will have lots of your own, I’m sure!
3. When you’ve written your minimum of ten reasons (don’t cheat and do less, because it’s often the last few that get to the nub of the problem), cross out any you know are excuses.
4. With the reasons that are left, write another list, with one thing you can do for each point, that will help you move forward. For example, get someone else to cook once a week, have a chat with your spouse about how important your writing is to you, write a synopsis of your story so you know exactly where it’s going, join Writers for a Reason Unite for writing encouragement and support… and so on.
5. Put those in order of importance.
6. Do one every day until they are done!
7. Let me know how it’s going, or perhaps I will see you in Writers for a Reason Unite?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Janet