Conquering Perfectionism and Procrastination
When I was working on the page that I just completed, my inclination was to finish all of my research so that I could flesh out my entire outline before I started to write the article. I spent a lot of time and energy getting things organized so I could sit and type everything at once. I wanted everything perfectly ready before I started typing so I could write the perfect article. My perfectionistic side was holding me back.
However, I had a great deal of research that I needed to complete, and this was preventing me back from completing the lesson in the certification course that I was working on.
So, I decided to ignore my unwritten rule that all research must be completed prior to writing and began to type. I wrote what I could before reaching a place where I needed to continue my research, and things went much more smoothly. I discovered a natural rhythm from research to typing and back to research again.
It's easy for me to get in a research rut, thinking that I have to know everything there is to know about my topic prior to starting to write. But this experience has convinced me that that's not the most effective way for me to spend my time while learning to work this business.
I am much more relaxed and creative, and enjoy the process much more when I do the research for the first two or three sections of my outline, write until I have exhausted everything I need to say about those topics, then "hit the books" to research the next phase of my outline.
I might still be stuck in the research phase for that page if I hadn't forced myself to change tacks and just start typing.
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You have managed to discover and describe the importance of momentum. Simply starting means you can leave procrastination for tomorrow!
Well said, John. Sounds like I heard a bit of tongue in cheek humor there...was that a smirk I detected as you typed that?? Luv it. Tee Hee!
Me, too! Even if I was obsessing about the post vs blog issue that I apparently conjured up to have something to stress over!
Hey Carol, that is called perfecting the balance between perfectionism and producing.
It is also good advice for us all to consider our approach to writing and getting our content good (or is that excellent!)
I enjoy the research, but can get carried away with it and not make much progress with my writing if I'm not careful. Carol
Well done Carol, real progress, your writing will really start to flow, get it down plenty of time to edit.
Great information. This happened to me too. And this made me leave a lot of topics hanging. Thanks for pointing this out.
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I fight the same battle daily. Combine a love for research and the perfectionism and you have a formula for trouble getting work done.
That's the truth. I'm having more trouble right now than I did when I wrote that post because I've been busy getting house ready for pictures to put it on MLS website. Now I gotta get back in the swing of things.
You can do it. I'll be your cheerleader. While I sit here procrastinating myself. haha. I have an article I need to finish. It's too long. 2400 words. I need to break it down into two or three.
The subject of the article is 'storytellers' which is too broad for one article. There is so much to write about within that category.
Have you ever been to hear a storyteller perform? There's a place in TN that has a big gathering of people for that in the fall, I believe.
I have, yes. I love listening to the storytellers. I still remember RomperRoom on TV as a kid. Some of the best speakers I've ever heard are storytellers. I haven't been to any formal group of storyteller performances like you mentioned. Just one at a time.
I live near the Cherokee reservation, and an older storyteller performed at our library, telling the stories of the Cherokee creation, and other interesting stories demonstrating their culture. Loved it.
I'll find out from my friend when and where that storytelling group occurs if you're interested. She and some friends go every year.
that would be great, Thanks.
You're welcome.