Overcoming procrastination through the pull method
This is a different take on dealing with procrastination. Instead of trying to overcome procrastination by fear “get organized, try harder”, they suggest overcoming it by getting around fear through creativity and making “a small, imperfect start ” Here’s one of the steps.
How to talk to yourself:
– Replace “I have to” — which promotes victimhood and resentment — with “I choose to.”
– Replace “I must finish” with “When can I start again?”
– Replace “This is so big/difficult/complex” with “I can take one small step: one rough, rough draft, one imperfect sketch.”
– Replace “I must do this right (i.e., perfectly)” with “I can be human.” Accept “mistakes” as feedback, and part of the natural learning process. In fact, try to be imperfect. Intentionally do the first part of your project sloppily: rough draft in crayon, or on a coffee-stained old envelope.
from 43 folders
This reminds me of Anne Lamott’s advice in her book on the writing process, _Bird by Bird_. She says that the best way to start a writing project is to write a @#$%ty first draft. She is so funny in the way she describes this that it really is very encouraging. She gives permission not just to be imperfect but to write absolutely banal cliched contorted @#$%. (Then to come back and work on it more later.)Sure wish I’d had her book when I was in college.
Comment by Carol Henderson January 17, 2006 @
Funny, that’s what my English Prof said too. He also said that the first and second draft of an essay are 2 different creatures and attempting to do both at the same time may enduce schizophrenia”)
Pete
Comment by Pete Quily January 18, 2006 @