Procrastination and Fear by Nancy L. Eady

I have mentioned this before, but on my list of necessary evils, housework falls somewhere between doing my tax returns and getting a tetanus shot. There is only one time that changes. If I am up against a writing deadline, or need to study for a test of some kind, or prepare for a hearing, housework shoots right up to the top of my list of priorities. Housecleaning is the perfect procrastination tool. Physical work, little thought, and the righteous satisfaction of seeing the dust and grime yield before me will squash any lingering concerns about the looming deadline. Until I stop cleaning house and the worry floods right back into me. The only drawback to housekeeping-as-procrastination is that no matter how hard I clean, the deadline remains, looming closer. 

Are there good ways to deal with procrastination? I haven’t found many that work for me beyond the drop-dead deadline. (Not the fake deadline you set up to try to get something done early, but the drop-dead/your-case-will-be-thrown-out-of-court deadline.) The best thing about a deadline is that you reach a point, whether you want to be there or not, where you just have to start writing or working on whatever it is you have been avoiding. When the deadline involves a writing project, I may be thinking the entire time, “This is the worst paragraph/story/essay/brief/scene I’ve ever written,” but at least I am putting words on paper. (I am, of course, speaking metaphorically since most of my writing now is done on a laptop or desktop computer with a keyboard, but the principle is the same.) 

I have been to a couple of seminars on the issue, and they have dangled the tantalizing possibility that procrastination has psychological roots. That has two advantages. First, if it is a psychological problem, then I can believe that it’s not really my fault that I like to procrastinate. Second, it gives me even more rabbit holes to go down while I’m trying to procrastinate by looking up stuff on the internet. (Once, during an extended three-week writer’s block session, I googled such interesting topics as who was Elizabeth II of England’s sister’s husband, whether “redeemability” is a word and if so, the definition thereof, the list of daily specials at the local cafe, and the cost of the law office for sale one block from my house. I also confirmed that neither I nor my husband had uveal melanoma, congenital heart disease, eosinophilic asthma, defective automatic levelers in our camper, or unexplained hair loss.) 

I do find that procrastination can be based in part on fear—fear that my work won’t be any good, fear that I am not capable of doing the task I have been set, and the fear of failing are just a few I can come up with. In my life, I have discovered only two ways to deal with fear. The first is to go through it. I could look it squarely in the face, take a deep breath, and walk through it with my head held high. That sounds quite noble, doesn’t it? I’d be impressed with myself if I had ever managed to do that more than a smattering of times when it really mattered. Most of the time, if I am in the “go through it to the other side” mode, I do it with my eyes closed, shuffling my feet slowly forward inch by inch, grabbing every handhold I can find. It’s not nearly as noble, but it still gets me where I need to go. 

The other technique is to avoid the thing that causes the fear. Avoidance works really well with things like spiders and cockroaches. I was 40 before I ever killed a spider, and that was only because Mark was at work, it was just me and a five-year-old Kayla in the house, and she was more terrified than I was. And before you laugh and try to point out to me that said insects are much smaller than me, so it shouldn’t be a problem, you obviously don’t know your natural history very well. It is a proven fact that any insect you try to kill has the ability, should it wish, to morph into a creature six feet tall with slathering fangs and the ability to smash you into smithereens and then boil you for lunch. Avoidance doesn’t work nearly as well when the thing that causes fear is a task that has to be accomplished, like doing your taxes. Trust me, the IRS doesn’t care how scared you are; it wants your return filed correctly and by the appointed date and time. 

So I’m curious, fellow writers and gentle readers, what techniques have you found to help you deal with procrastination, especially the fear-based variety? Does procrastination or fear affect your writing? Any advice would be welcome. 

Procrastination and Writer's Block by Nancy L. Eady

Procrastination is my constant companion.  After all, why put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow?  The problem with procrastination is that sooner or later the deadline arrives anyhow, and you still are faced with the necessity of completing the task on time.  Writer’s block is similar.  

Over time, I have picked up a few “favorite” tasks to do in procrastination mode.  On my list of necessary evils, housework falls somewhere between doing my tax returns and getting a tetanus shot, unless I have a major deadline.  Then housework shoots right up to the top of my list of priorities.  My apartment in college was cleanest right before exams.  

Reading is a good thing to do any time, but it definitely works for procrastination purposes.  Even better than reading for procrastination on a writing project is something like a computer game, which puts me at a computer with my fingers moving, giving me the illusion of accomplishing something.  Googling random pieces of information on the computer are another procrastination tool.  

Sadly, no matter what side efforts I drift into, the river of time pushes forward, and the deadline continues to approach.  If the deadline involves writing, as for me it usually does, whether inspired or not, I reach a moment where I must force myself into a chair, put my fingers on the keyboard and start producing words.  Even if what comes out is boring twaddle, at least I have something to work with and edit.  Sometimes, the words I thought were the absolute worst as I was writing them turn out to be much better than expected.

Have you any good tips for breaking either writer’s block or procrastination cycles?  I could certainly use them. 

 

What is Writing by Nancy L. Eady

I am a champion procrastinator.  To keep that tendency in check, I periodically review what counts as writing, and what does not. 

1)  Sitting down at the computer and typing words that flow from my head is, obviously, writing. 

2)  Sitting down at the computer intending to write but playing games instead is not writing even if I try to con myself by insisting I am considering important plot points while attempting to get three stars on Level 2,341 of Bubble Witch 2.  (If you know how to  get three stars on level 2,341, please use the comment section to give me your secret.)  

3)  Placing a pen or pencil on paper and pouring out words is writing, although hand muscles geared to typing cramp after too much of it.  Writing by hand only occurs when: 

A)  I am bored in a crowded meeting but need to look like I’m paying attention and/or taking notes (I outlined a complete novel during one hellishly dull 8 hour seminar); or 

B)  I mistakenly travel somewhere with none of the electronic gizmos I normally use and I’m desperate.  

4)  Dictating my story into my digital voice recorder while I'm driving, while not winning me "safe driver of the year" award, is writing.  

5)  Thinking about my story is, alas, not writing.  If it were, I'd have a completed work rivaling the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary in length.  (The last published version of the OED was the 2nd edition in 1989; periodically, the OED also publishes single volumes with words that have been added.  Now, the OED is online and is, per its web site, a guide “to the meaning, history and usage of over 500,000 words and phrases across the English-speaking world.")    

6)   Talking about my WIP is not writing.  

7)   Preparing a pitch for a completed work is writing.  In fact, it may be one of the hardest parts of writing. 

8)  Signing up for a writing class without actually attending it is not writing.  

9)  Completing the first writing assignment in a course and then ferrying the rest of the lessons and information into an e-mail folder for that future mythical era where I have time to catch up is not writing.   

10)  Completing a writing course is writing and time well spent.  

11)  Buying books on writing is not writing.  This stricture includes books with topics such as how to complete a novel in 30 days, time management, steps to a writing life, writing exercises and creativity, especially when said books remain on the shelf unopened.  (My husband says I have more time management books than anyone he knows.  He just wishes I'd read at least one of them.)  

12)  Reading such books is writing - to a point.  Reading on how to improve my craft is useful but only if I practice the knowledge I gain by – you guessed it – writing. 

13)  Editing is writing, but I have to keep a close rein on my inner critic, a snarky, surly lass always popping up with the worst comments at the worst time.  

14)  Reading other mysteries is not writing.  I am mesmerized by a good book.  Growing up, my youngest sister would come home from school and talk to me for fifteen minutes before I realized anyone was in the room with me.  My very patient family has learned to say my name three times progressively louder and pull on my arm at least once if they need my attention while I’m reading.  In case of fire, I expect them to save themselves and leave me to my fate.  At least I’ll die happy.  (Reading other people’s work is essential to my development as a writer, so I make time for it.  I just don’t count that time as writing time.)   

What activities do you count as writing versus non-writing? 

Why Wait? By Kait Carson

 

My third-grade teacher made us write an essay on the topic: Procrastination. The Thief of Time. Had to be a heavy subject for me to remember it all these gazillion years later. If memory serves, the topic rose from a super 8 movie we watched on the subject. Who else remembers the joy of seeing the teacher pulling the shades while the maintenance team wheeled in the projector on its table? Nine times out of ten, the joy was dashed by the flapping sound of a broken film strip. On this particular day in 1960, things worked out. I’m sure I put off writing the essay until the night before it was due. Why? Well, procrastination.

The aim of the movie and the essay was to impress upon our young minds the need to do things in a timely fashion. For the most part, I agree. My favorite phrase is “eat the big frog first.” Do it, put it behind you, get it done. Whew – imagine me wiping my brow. Ah, no one warned me that eating the frog was another term for procrastination. When I’m faced with a task I enjoy, I fill the time eating that danged frog. Need to edit. No worries. One of my favorite parts of writing. I’ll get to it right after I check my email, comment on blogs, write my planner journal… Oh, dang. Look at the time. I don’t have the bandwidth to dig into edits now. Well, I’ll do it tomorrow. See what I mean?

At the end of the day, when I am at my desk, red pencil in hand, time flies. It’s so easy to keep the flow going. I cannot imagine why I delayed starting. I hate to think about stopping. Hands come to a screeching halt. Is that another form of procrastination? Not wanting to stop? I’ll think about that another time.

It took a lot of years and a quickie telephone conference with a friend who is also a practicing psychologist to figure it out. We discarded the first diagnosis—that I don’t feel worthy of the fun. Nope, we’d known each other too long for him to believe that of me. Instead, he pointed out that I behaved like many members of my generation, especially those who attended parochial school. I believe I must earn my fun. Hence, eating that frog. We have the quintessential no pain/no gain philosophy. Was he feeding me pop psych on a spoon to get me off the phone? Maybe. But the statement struck a chord. And it helped me move on.

These days I get to my desk and do the fun stuff first. It makes the rest of the day so much more…fun.

Readers and writers – do you feel you need to pay your dues first? Does it work for you?

Deadlines...deadlines...

 by Shari Randall

I saw this meme the other day and it captures too well life at my house the last few weeks. 

It is a wee bit ironic that when I'm on deadline I suddenly notice all the tasks that I could be doing perfectly well when I'm not on deadline, tasks that I ignore the other 200 or so days of the year but now are of the utmost importance. Scrub the grout? Iron those cloth napkins? Dust the bookcase? I must do it now!

Sorry this is a bit short today, but I really am going to get back to writing Ice Cream Shop Mystery #3...or vacuuming.

What's your favorite way to procrastinate?

What is Writing? by Nancy L. Eady

As a card-carrying member of the Order of Procrastinators Extraordinaire,  I can find more ways to delay doing anything than anyone I know. God created deadlines for people like me. I’m not sure I’d get anything done without them.

One reason I am a champion procrastinator is I am easily distracted. It’s only when you get serious about putting words on a screen that you realize how many possibilities are available to the perseverant procrastinator. To cut down on distractions, I made a list of what is, and is not, writing.

1)  Sitting at the computer and typing words that flow from my head is, obviously, writing.

2)  Turning on the computer intending to write but playing games instead is not writing even if I try to con myself by insisting I am considering important plot points while attempting to reach level 2,341 of Candy Crush. (If you know how to win level 2,340 with three stars, please e-mail the secret to workmomad@gmail.com.) 

3)  Placing a pen or pencil on paper and pouring out words is writing, although hand muscles geared to typing cramp after too much of it. Writing by hand only occurs when:

            a)  I am bored in a crowded meeting but need to look like I’m paying attention and/or taking notes (I outlined a complete novel during one hellishly dull 8-hour legal seminar); or

            b)  I make the mistake of traveling somewhere without any of the electronic gizmos I normally use and I’m desperate.

4)  Dictating my story into my digital voice recorder when I’m driving, while not winning me the "safe driver of the year", is writing.

5)  Thinking about my story is, alas, not writing. If it were, I’d have a completed work rivaling the length of the 1989 Second Edition of the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary. (According to its website, the OED’s Second Edition was 20 volumes; between its publication in 1989 and the turn of the century, Oxford University Press  published three volumes of additions. In keeping with the times, the OED now is exclusively online.) 

6)  Signing up for an online writing class is not writing.

7)  Completing the first writing assignment in an online class and then ferrying the rest of the lessons and information into an e-mail folder for that future mythical era where I have time to catch up is not writing.

8)  Completing an online course is writing and time well spent.

9)  Buying books on writing is not writing. This includes books with topics such as how to complete a novel in 30 days, time management, steps to a writing life, writing exercises and creativity, especially when said books stay on the shelf unopened. (My husband says I have more time management books than anyone he knows. He just wishes I’d read one.) 

10)  Editing is writing, but I have to keep a close rein on my inner critic, who is a snarky, surly lass always popping up with the worst comments at the worst time.

11)  Reading other mysteries is not writing, although essential to my development as a writer. I am mesmerized by a good book. Growing up, my sister would come home from school and start talking to me. It took at least 15 minutes before I realized anyone was in the room with me. My very patient family has learned to say my name three times progressively louder and pull on my arm at least once if they need my attention while I’m reading. In case of fire, I expect them to save themselves and leave me to my fate. At least I’d die happy.

12) Googling can be writing, but it is dangerous. Research is a slippery slope. I can flip over to Google in order to check the spelling of a word, then realize an hour later I progressed from spelling, to current events, to trips I’d like to take but can’t afford, to looking up the current hours at Disneyworld along with current ride wait times just to pretend I’m there.

What distractions do you face when you write?  Are you a recovering procrastinator?  If so, how did you kick the habit?

The Thief of Time

I had tons of ideas for a blog this month. I was going to write about life, writing, movies, and plays all using a three-act structure. I was going to write about how I plot and plan. I had a great idea about life imitating art and art imitating life. Then I thought about the end of Mad Men (which I just saw on DVD) and how the end didn’t live up to the rest of the show. I mean nobody’s real-life story line ends that neatly. Poor Betty.

So, what happened? Well, one thing led to another and then another and then life got in the way, you know how it does? After that, I don’t know. It just never happened. I kept hearing my third grade teacher’s voice whispering in my ear, and then shouting…”Procrastination is the thief of time.” However, I successfully pushed it into the background. Before I knew it, this blog was DUE.

While I was procrastinating, telling myself I have the blog in my head, all that’s left is putting the fingers to the keyboard, I decided to catch up on the news…I stumbled on an article in the New York Times. Turns out, procrastination is actually a good thing. In fact, it increases creativity. And best of all, they have studies to prove it. Okay, I didn’t think you’d believe me, but here’s the link. Check it out for yourself.

On reflection, it makes a lot of sense, although the increase in creativity feels more like a panic attack. Procrastination isn’t passive. It takes a lot of energy to decide not to do something. While you’re thinking about not thinking about it, your subconscious is chewing on it. It’s the same principle as getting great ideas in the shower, or on a run, or driving to and from work. Put your brain on autopilot and it churns out ideas, solutions, and answers. Sometimes totally unexpected ones. Procrastinating gives you permission to find creative solutions. Then, at the twenty-fifth second before the due date, limber up those fingers and stretch them out on the keyboard. If the theory holds, then this should be a great blog. I know it’s on a topic that hadn’t crossed my mind, until last night. And of course, the proof is in the New York Times. They’re never wrong…are they?

How about you? Is your style advance planning, or do you believe in the Hail Mary pass? Would you consider changing?

Procrastination - A Problem of Mine

Procrastinate: defer actions; delay, esp. intentionally or habitually. Oxford English Dictionary

For years I’ve written a weekly list of things to do on a yellow legal pad. One of my sisters said she got tired just reading my list. What she didn’t realize is most of the list moves on to the next week’s list because I never finish everything. Some things I don’t list like make my bed, do dishes, and feed and water my critters, because that’s what I do every day. Other things I list more as a reminder than anything else, and even with the list to remind me, I procrastinate.

 

Right now I’m putting off paying the bills I write checks for and aren’t automatically paid.

They’re not late, but I should do it as soon as my monthly check is deposited. After I finish this blog, I’m going to do it. Yes, I am. Last week I finally got around to balancing my check book after not doing it for four or five months and found purchases I hadn’t registered because of a line behind me waiting to check out. I planned to write the purchase down when I got home, but I’m easily distracted. Fortunately, there were only two, and my bank takes it out of my savings account rather than bouncing checks or debit purchases.

 

Other things on my list of things that I’ve been putting off: Clean the rust stains in my bathtub that’s as old or older than I am, and that’s really old. I think the old guy who owned it for fifty years before me used  S.O.S. pads to clean it. Maybe nothing will remove the stains, but  I still put that on my weekly list. Finish planting the small shrubs I bought last spring as well as a Japanese maple on sale. Finish weeding the vegetable garden so I can plant beans, and other vegetables. Do you think it’s too late for that now? I did get peas, lettuce, eggplant and peppers planted. I blame it on the excessive rain we’ve had. Start entering the sales and expenses in my writing accounts. Clean the chicken coop, and the list goes on and on.

It sounds like I do little but lay around reading or watching TV doesn’t it? Not true. The thing about lists is the feeling of accomplishment I get from crossing off what I’ve finished. Write a blog for next week. Clean the bird cages. Clean the litter boxes. Sweep and dust the living room, etc. or call so and so. (I really put off calling people.)Water the plants. Mow the front yard, the side yard, and all the other sections I mow and not with a riding mower. Wash the outside windows – not done yet, but I can still see out.

In an article in WebMD by Paula Spencer Scott titled When Procrastination is a Problem, and How to Fix It, she writes “Everyone delays or puts things off sometimes, and that’s fine,” Procrastinating becomes a problem only when it hinders your relationships or getting your work done. The things people put off tend to be boring, hard, time-consuming, or maybe lack meaning. When you avoid doing what seems less than pleasant (cleaning the chicken coop?), you get a reprieve. You’ll do it soon, just not now.

Scott contacted two leading experts on procrastination, Joseph Ferrari, PHD, associate professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago and Timothy Pychyl, Ph. Associate professor of psychology at Carlton University in Ottawa, Canada. They answered immediately.

1.      Twenty percent of people say they’re chronic procrastinators. They’re late paying bills, miss opportunities for buying tickets, late filing income tax returns, and leave Christmas shopping until Christmas Eve, for instance. (I may put off bills, but I always pay on time. I get my taxes in at the last minute but not late. I never wait until Christmas Eve to shop. ( Close to it but not that late. Too many on my list for that.)

2.      It’s not trivial, but  most don’t take it seriously. It’s a problem of self-regulation, and may be more common in the U.S. because we’re so nice we don’t call people on their excuses. (One thing I don’t do is skip appointments, come late, or not follow through on a commitment.)

3.      Procrastination is not always a problem of time management or planning. They suggest using weekly planners. (I write appointments or events and times on my calendar.)

4.      Procrastinators are made not born. (Okay, a lot of stuff about rebelling against harsh authoritarian fathers, which certainly wasn’t true for me. My parents were great.)

5.      Procrastination predicts higher levels of consumption of alcohol among people who drink. (I don’t think my half glass of wine once a month at one of my book clubs applies here.)

6.      Procrastinators tell lies to themselves. “I’ll feel more like doing this tomorrow” or “I work best under pressure.” In fact those excuses aren’t true. (This may be true if it’s miserably hot and tomorrow may be cooler to mow.)

7.      Procrastinators look for distractions, especially ones that take little commitment like checking e-mails. They distract themselves as a way of regulating their emotions such as fear of failure. (Or it could be I just don’t feel like cleaning the litter boxes right now.)

8.      People procrastinate for different reasons. Dr. Ferrari identifies three basic types of procrastinators: Arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait to the last minute for the euphoric rush. Avoiders, who may be avoiding fear of failure or even fear of success, but in either case, are very concerned with what others think of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability. Decisional procrastinators, who cannot make a decision. Not making a decision absolves procrastinator of responsibility for the outcome of events. (I don’t see myself as any one of those types.)

9.      There are costs to procrastination. Health is one. (Today I really am going to start an exercise program. As soon as I write this blog, I will.) Procrastinators have more insomnia problems. (Now that I can believe. I worry about how I’ll find the time to get everything done that needs done.) The other reasons had to do with resentment in the workplace which isn’t and has never been a problem for me, not even when I was teaching.

10.  Procrastinators can change their behavior – but doing so consumes a lot of psychic energy, and it doesn’t necessarily mean one feels transformed internally. (I need my psychic energy.)

And then there are the writers who procrastinate for various reasons like they can’t think how to start their story with a hook that will grab the reader. Then there’s the sagging middle, or they don’t know where the story is heading. Or like me right now, I can’t figure out how to expose my murderer.  So they put it aside and concentrate on other things hoping inspiration will come from somewhere.

 

Reading this made me realize my procrastination is due mostly to a list of too many things to do. It’s so long one person could never complete it. In the article it said procrastinators tend to be optimistic. That was me when I bought all those plants I still have to find time to plant – after I weed a place for them to go. So I need to prioritize what must be done – animal care, necessary cleaning, and writing this weekly blog, for instance. Then what should be done – mowing the lawn, weeding the gardens, the blueberry patch, and planting, which I actually enjoy doing most of the time. And finally what’s enjoyable - writing, reading, listening to music, walking in the woods, and the social activities like my writers group meetings, book clubs, family events, delivering Mobile Meals, and Sunday Mass. Meanwhile, eventually I’ll get to cleaning out my closet or storage room, washing the outside windows and maybe even clean the potting shed, but I’m not going to worry about it. If it gets done that’s good, and if it doesn’t? Oh well, who cares.

Are you a procrastinator?

What do you put off doing the most?