Every writer knows that familiar dance: the urge to write battling fiercely with the siren call of distraction. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, tidying up your workspace for the tenth time, or suddenly feeling the overwhelming need to do laundry, procrastination can be a persistent shadow in a writer’s life. It’s not necessarily a sign of laziness; often, it stems from fear, self-doubt, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand.
The good news is that procrastination, while common, isn’t insurmountable. By understanding its roots and implementing practical strategies, you can silence your inner critic and cultivate a more consistent and productive writing habit.
Identify Your Procrastination Triggers: The first step to overcoming procrastination is understanding what sets it off. Do you tend to procrastinate when facing a daunting blank page? When you’re feeling insecure about your ideas? Or perhaps when other tasks seem more immediately gratifying? Once you identify your triggers, you can start to develop strategies to address them.
Break Down Large Tasks: A massive writing project can feel paralyzing. Instead of focusing on the entire task, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of “write chapter three,” your tasks could be “outline scene one of chapter three,” “write the opening paragraph,” or “research a specific detail.” Smaller tasks feel less overwhelming and provide a sense of accomplishment as you complete each one.
Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines: While ambition is important, setting unrealistic goals can lead to discouragement and ultimately, procrastination. Be honest about how much time you realistically have to dedicate to writing and set achievable goals. Similarly, setting deadlines for those smaller tasks can create a sense of urgency and help you stay on track.
Establish a Dedicated Writing Time and Space: Creating a consistent writing routine can signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. Designate a specific time each day or week for writing and find a dedicated workspace where you can minimize distractions. Even if it’s just for 15-30 minutes, regular writing sessions can build momentum and make it harder to procrastinate.
Silence Your Inner Critic (Temporarily): Often, procrastination is fueled by the fear of not being good enough. Your inner critic might be whispering doubts and pointing out flaws before you’ve even finished a sentence. Try to consciously quiet this inner voice during your writing sessions. Remind yourself that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to exist. You can always edit and revise later.
Reward Yourself: Acknowledging your progress can be a powerful motivator. When you complete a writing task or stick to your writing schedule, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This positive reinforcement can help you build a more positive association with writing and make it less tempting to procrastinate.
Embrace Imperfection: As we discussed in a previous post, perfectionism can be a major driver of procrastination. Allow yourself to write imperfectly. Embrace the messy first draft. Remember that revision is a crucial part of the writing process, and you can’t revise what hasn’t been written.
Find an Accountability Partner or Writing Group: Sharing your writing goals with someone else can provide an extra layer of motivation and accountability. A writing partner or group can offer support, encouragement, and gentle nudges when you’re feeling tempted to procrastinate.
Take Breaks and Move Your Body: Ironically, sometimes the best way to overcome procrastination is to step away from your writing for a short break. Get up, stretch, go for a walk, or do something completely unrelated to writing. This can help clear your head and return to your work with renewed focus.
Overcoming writing procrastination is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different strategies, and celebrate your progress along the way. By implementing these practical tips, you can silence your inner critic, break free from the cycle of procrastination, and finally unleash your inner wordsmith.
