Procrastination is a sign of humanity. It’s normal, we all do it, and it’s accepted. Likewise, it’s become more and more casual…
We’ve blended procrastination into flexibility nowadays, which isn’t inherently evil, but it’s on the rise to becoming detrimental.
But why do writers procrastinate?
Don’t we love to create new worlds, tell interesting stories, and leave it all on the paper?
Surely, it’s a way to decompress and transform into a new dimension, a way to take a step back from the “real world,” a way of relaxing by actually doing something you love.
I think it’s because writers care. We care a lot.
It’s taken me almost six years to actually do anything with my first novel. Yes, I have another one written as well, but why is my first one sitting in my archives?
It’s because I’ve procrastinated on actually pushing it out. I want it to be perfect, I want it to only be rated five stars, and I want it to become well-known within my community.
Surely, I can just jump all in, right? After all, isn’t procrastination killed by motivation?
The pressure is heavy, though, isn’t it?
Re-framing your mindset is a huge step in the right direction. Pinpointing why you feel like procrastinating your main character’s arc is actually helpful. Saying out loud, “I want the murder-mystery twist to actually be shocking,” is a tool to open your next door.
Recognize that procrastination can be broken by effort. Address the anxiety that’s holding you back, and break your goals down into steps, rather than one giant uphill race.
After all, how do you eat an elephant? (Answer: one bite at a time).
It’s equally as important to be gentle on yourself. We’re all human, and procrastination is normal and healthy. That type of anxiety reminds us that what we enjoy is important to us. Without little hurdles that hold us back, we’d be a machine constantly falling over itself because of exhaustion and poor practice.
Create a plan that keeps you motivated, not bound in chains.
Have people that will uplift you and keep you accountable. Keeping yourself steady is a hard battle to do alone, so lean into those relationships who call you higher.
It’s okay to fail; fail forward.
Writers, don’t be scared of being imperfect. Spoiler alert: we’re all flawed! Learn from your weaknesses by leaning in, not running away.
Personally, I’ve learned that when I feel like procrastinating my novels, it means I need to brainstorm more. I will step back, create goals, and step forward. If I want to take a break, I do so, but with boundaries. If I want to succeed and keep my goals, I fail forward, put in a little more effort, and address why I feel like procrastinating: I want it to be perfect.
Another spoiler alert: if you’re proud of your writing, and put in 110% effort, it’s already perfect.