Procrastination- The Monster You Can Always Fight Later

I have a confession. I’m a terrible procrastinator. In fact, I have been procrastinating writing this post. This is probably a topic that many people like to tune out, because either they are awesome and on top of everything and they can’t relate, or they are one of the people, like me, who knows they are guilty, but prefers to ignore the fact and everything that reminds them of it. But, since procrastination is such a huge part of what goes on behind the scenes in my writing, I don’t know that I can entirely escape writing about it on here.

Why do I procrastinate? It is odd that I procrastinate writing. Usually people tend to procrastinate things they dislike, and I love writing. I love writing so much that sometimes there is a physical feeling of longing to open my computer and let my fingers race across the keys. Yet, half the time when I am actually able to do just that, instead of releasing the river of words I feel I have stuck inside me, I end up checking my email, browsing Facebook, or going back and re-reading everything else I have ever written. Why don’t I just buckle down and get to writing?

Problem: Perfectionism. The first reason is probably self-doubt. I’m not exactly sure of the perfect words to use for my idea, so I don’t want to use anything. Yes, I hate rewriting, so I hate to produce anything but perfection the first time. This, however, is impractical. It will probably be rewritten anyhow, so I should just make it easier on myself and write something that blatantly needs to be rewritten. Solution: Resign myself to the necessary evil of rewriting and stop procrastinating because I don’t have just the right word. 

Problem: Distraction. As much as I love to write, there are other things I love too, and even if I don’t love them quite as much, if they are easier to engage in, my natural reaction is to take the path of least resistance and do that instead. Yes, I would rather right than burn time on Facebook, but Facebook is so convenient. I don’t have to use my brain to scroll down and look at witty memes and pleasurable pictures. Reading email is similar. Yes, I love writing, but it is hard. It takes more brain power, and somehow, my natural inclination is to avoid that. Pathetic, yes, but it’s the truth. Solution: Make the distractions less accessible than the task at hand and start using my brain. Stop being lazy and exercise that thought machine. It’s healthier anyhow.

Problem: Time management. Just like most of you, I have lots going on. There are a million and two tasks competing for my attention. From housework and family time to teaching violin and trying to be active in my community, I have to make a concerted effort to find time to write. They say the squeaky door gets the oil, and writing is one of those activities that seems to be a bit quieter. It can easily get lost in the shuffle if I’m not careful. Other things always seem to need to come first. Solution: Schedule it. It won’t happen if you don’t make it a priority enough to schedule. Get up a bit earlier. Cut lunch short. Skip that TV show in the evening. If you really want it, it can happen. You just have to make it enough of a priority.

Procrastination is a constant battle for me in writing a book. These are some of the solutions I have come up with. Do you struggle with procrastination? If so, why, and what do you do about it? If not, what is your secret? Don’t hesitate to share. I’m always open to more ideas.