by Jenna | Oct 22, 2022 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month's "Ask the Coach" article, I’m responding to a comment on Twitter about handling procrastination. This is a topic I never tire of talking about with writers because it's so relevant and important to understand and navigate. Plus, I've recently reviewed some newer (and empowering) research about procrastination, which I've shared in the article.
In the article, I review five high-level reasons writers procrastinate to help us unpack this common struggle. I describe each reason more fully in the article, but here's the core overview:
- We procrastinate because we’re afraid.
- We procrastinate because writing matters to us.
- We procrastinate to manage challenging emotions. 👈 the newer part!
- We procrastinate to get dopamine hits.
- We procrastinate to process intuition and information.
With this understanding of why we procrastinate, I also offer ways we can manage procrastination, including rewriting negative thoughts, creating community and support around writing with other writers, using deadlines and other external motivations, and more.
The bottom line is that we procrastinate for very real reasons.
by Jenna | Jun 26, 2013 | Writing Articles
Two inner conversations about taking the day off from writing, in which we explore the inner workings of the procrastinator and the recovered procrastinator. :)
Observe.
Conversation 1. The Procrastinator
Daybreak.
“Oh god. It’s too early. I don’t want to write. Besides, I need a day off. I mean, I’ve been pushing myself so hard and everything going on right now is just so stressful. Plus I couldn’t sleep well last night. I really just need some down time to regroup and get in the mood to write. There’s no point otherwise, right? I’ll just take the morning off and write in the afternoon.”
Later that morning.
“This is great! See, I really just needed some time to goof off. I can write later, it’ll be fine.”
Mid-day.
“Okay, wow, that was great. Maybe I should start writing now. But I better check my email first. And I’ve got to call Kathy too. Plus my desk is disorganized, I’ll never be able to concentrate on my writing, I better clear it off. THEN I’ll really be able to focus.”
Later.
“Where did the day go? I’m exhausted. There’s no way I can write now. I better just start over tomorrow. I can write early, when I wake up. That’ll get me back on track.”
And, repeat.
Conversation 2. The Recovered Procrastinator
Daybreak.
“I get to take today off! I hit that major milestone with my draft yesterday. I’m going to celebrate today by putting my feet up and savoring a full, glorious day of guilt-free indulgence and enjoyment. Then back to the writing tomorrow, until I hit the next milestone.”
And, repeat.
What a difference, right?
And the best part is how it FEELS inside. So. Much. Better.
Warmly,
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