Sometimes I put things off.
There are many different kinds of things I put off.
Replying to emails. Making a doctor’s appointment for a family member. Writing a particular scene in a book.
I’ve found that if I can just identify why I’m putting something off , I have a much higher chance of finally finishing the task.
Not answering an email? Is that because I have to check a particular date and I don’t have my calendar near me? Because I need clarification on what the original emailer is asking of me? Because I need to plug a conference into my GPS to find out if it’s within drivable distance?
Not making a doctor’s appointment? Is that because I’m not sure what type of specialist would handle the particular medical issue? Because my family member’s schedule is too in-flux to nail down an appointment date? Because I haven’t researched what questions to ask the physician?
Not writing the next scene in my book? Is that because I feel the character’s motivation isn’t clear? Because I’m not sure how I want the scene to end up? Because I’m not sure how to approach the scene—with tension? Humor? Action? Pathos? Because I’m not sure the scene is necessary? Because I’m worried I’m repeating myself?
Once I’ve identified what’s making me stall, it’s easy for me to make a list of steps to finish the task.
The email—pull out my calendar. All my calendars. Email the person back to make sure I understand what they’re asking. Take out my GPS and figure out the conference location and whether it’s feasible for me to attend.
The doctor’s appointment—set a timer and research the issue online to prepare. Call my family doctor for specialist recommendations. Make the appointment, knowing nothing is set in stone and appointments can be changed, if needed.
Not writing the next scene? Skip it and come back to it later. Make lists of all the ways the scene is improbable. Make lists of all the ways I could fix that improbability. If the character motivation is in question, what would make this particular character want to do this particular thing? Is there something in his backstory? Some fear or desire? Label it and incorporate it into the story. Not good at writing action or a tension-filled scene? Set aside 20 minutes to research writing blogs for tips.
Do you sometimes procrastinate? What’s your method of working through it?
Elizabeth – Really interesting question as always. I do sometimes procrastinate, and finding out the “why” really is helpful. When it comes to writing, if I do procrastinate, it’s usually because something about the story isn’t ringing true or I’ve “written myself into a corner” with a plot point. When that happens, I go back to the last part of the story where everything was working and reread it. Usually I get an idea for working out of the spot I’m in that way.
I’m not typically a procrastinator but when I do, it can delay my progress months–no kidding.
Thanks for a great post, Elizabeth.
David Allen (who wrote GETTING THINGS DONE) talked about this in an interview, particularly the things which we find psychologically difficult. (Like, say deciding whether or not to put an aging parent in a care facility.)
Break the situation down to a next step. Something you can do more automatically – a small “task.” In that case, the next step would be research — are there alternatives? Find a list of facilities, etc.
I find that when I have trouble with a scene, I usually have a similar need for either information, or to get something organized.
I don’t like to procrastinate but sadly, I often do. And it’s for the reasons you stated. Often it’s a task with multiple steps and I don’t have time for one of the steps. But, eventually I will buckle down and do it. Great post.
Procrastination is tough. I agree though, there is always a reason behind it. Figure that out and you’re gold.
I almost never procrastinate, but when I do, I ask myself these kinds of questions. I am procrastinating a lot with my foray into fiction, but I tell myself it’s that I’m busy. I’m lying. Need to spend some time asking these questions. Thanks.
Karen
Man, I am terrible for procrastinating the little things… the appointments? I hate the phone… it is an absurd fear, but I absolutely hate it. If I could make appointments online, I’d be all over it.
As for writing–those spots I have trouble with… I know I need to plot a few more points on the scenes AFTER it. I don’t need to write them, but I need to know some of the details to know what might enrich the scene I’m in.
Clarissa–I think identifying the steps is always really key. That way I don’t miss anything.
Margot–That’s a good trick for voice, too. If the voice is floundering, then look back on a scene where it was really strong.
Laura –I used to think it was just me putting things off…but I’ve come to learn it’s definitely *more* than that.
Hart–You and I feel the same about the phone! I’ve noticed that there are more doctors using online appt. software (and I *do* take advantage of it!)
The details always cause the trouble!
Teresa–Oh, I know what you mean. And the funny thing is that the stuff I procrastinate usually ends up taking me fewer than 30 minutes to complete, once I have a plan for completing it.
Yes, I’m doing it all the time. I tend to do the fun stuff first and potpone all the boring crap (like paying bills), until it’s close to a disaster >:)
Cold As Heaven
Good advice. I use “why?” to figure out what my characters should be doing. I should use it for my “real” life, too.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
I almost put off replying to this till later….
I think my procrastination comes from overplanning. I’m a perfectionist and want to do everything right the first time.
And some days I just feel like a lazy bum!
I do procrastinate. I have no idea why.
My hubby is the exact opposite. He tackles things as they come up…one at a time.
I let them sit there and go on to what I want to do – which is usually the stuff he won’t touch.
I guess working together, we do get things done.
I tease my husband that he is the master procrastinator. I’m a knock things off the list as fast as possible kind of person. Unfortunately there are days when my list is full of boring, detail work that just isn’t fun. I get it all done, but by the end of the day, I’m bummed I didn’t have time for fun.
You’ve nailed it – if I’m procrastinating it is because I’m ambivalent about the doing. Meditation is the biggest help for me in this. When I sit, it is like Julia Cameron’s morning pages – all the guck of my mind – held resentments, fears, and desires rise in my awareness and I get to look at the why of all of them.
Thanks deario – you are a peach!
As of late, I have been a procrastination queen! It becomes ironic: procrastinating considerably slows my writing process (sometimes to a complete halt), yet I’m procrastinating because I miss my writing and am not feeling as inspired. I’m a big fan of figuring out the underlying cause too, and I know once I’ve made the changes necessary, I will be back to my old self.
Cold–Oh, paying bills are never fun!
The Daring Novelist–I couldn’t agree more. If it’s a disturbing problem, we’re so much more likely to stall.
I like that–break it down into the smallest bits. Don’t just say “research,” make a list of potential places to find info, etc.
Betty–Ha! I almost waited till later today to respond to comments!
Alex–Perfectionism has a way of rearing its ugly head, doesn’t it? I’ve faced it before, too.:)
Loree–I’m a tackler, too–but there are some things I’ll just stall on. :)
Karen–You’re definitely busy–but you’re right. We’re *all* busy!
Diane–You’ll have to schedule some fun things on there, too!
Jan–If you think I’m on the right track, Jan, I feel like I really am! You’re so knowledgable about this stuff.
I haven’t tried meditating yet (that’s one of those “someday I should do that things” that I really should try out.)
Terry–Me too. So I’ve started doing it a lot!
Krissy–When that inspiration is gone, it feels a lot more like work, doesn’t it? Hope you find that spark of creativity again!
I eat chocolate. Haha! ;)
I think having “the space” – your place at the computer, your calendar, all the resources you need at your fingertips … all that helps. Part of the procrastination, I think, is fear. Not of not succeeding, but of succeeding!
I give myself a half hour to accomplish at least one task on my to do list.
What usually happens is that I might be on job two or three by the time that 30 minutes is up. That’s usually enough to break the spell of procrastination.