get paid to write · 2016-03-29 · this is video 1.3a in the course: get paid to write module 1:...
TRANSCRIPT
This is Video 1.3A
in the course:
Get Paid To Write
Module 1:
How to overcome procrastination,
writer’s block, and
rookie writing errors
Learning outcomes:
How to:
• Overcome procrastination
• Deal with perfectionism
• Create space to write
Learning outcomes:
• Write, edit and proof efficiently
• Write quickly
• Keep motivated
• We’re afraid that the final result will not be good enough
• This fear stops us from starting
Why don’t we start sooner?
• “Perfectionist” Syndrome
• People pride themselves on it - not a quality we should aspire to
Why don’t we start sooner?
• To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness
• To postpone or delay needlessly
Overcoming procrastination:
• It’s a habit - needs to be worked on constantly
Overcoming procrastination:
Leads to:
• Less confidence
• Defensiveness
• Reduced productivity
• Demand for higher standards from others
• This creates pressure on others to match your standards – perpetuates the cycle
Perfectionism:
• Get clear about the task - often confusion about what is needed causes procrastination
• Break the job down into chunks
Solutions to procrastination:
• Read a motivational book or listen to a podcast - have it handy
• Start with the end in mind - visualise what the final product/piece will look like
Solutions to procrastination:
• Stop - go for a walk, a bike ride, get a coffee, tackle another part -but come back
Solutions to procrastination:
Say to yourself:
• “Complete Complete Complete”
• “This is good enough for now”
Mantras to manage procrastination:
• “This will do”
• “I will make it better next time”
• “This has to get finished now”
Mantras to manage procrastination:
• “It’s probably better than I think it is”
• “Will more tinkering make it measurably better?”
Mantras to manage procrastination:
• What’s the worst that can happen?
• We’re not saving lives
• Will this matter in 10/10/10?
Mantras to manage procrastination:
• If you’re not scared once a day, you’re not growing
• Visit a cemetery - often. Acknowledge this is where you’ll end up - so you may as well live life to full and not care what the critics think
Mantras to manage procrastination:
• Promise yourself that you’ll only write for 20 minutes
• Make phone calls if you don’t feel like writing
Getting started:
• Go to a café and make notes in a book if you don’t feel like writing
• Make an appointment to see a supplier/strategic alliance to get motivated without doing any work
Getting started:
• Think how good you’ll feel when it’s done
• Plan a lunch with a friend at 1pm -if you are on a roll, cancel the lunch and schedule dinner
Getting started:
• Write with a buddy
• Set an immovable deadline -book a holiday
Getting started:
• Short term reward: “When I finish this job/page/project, I’ll book a massage/lunch”
• Long term reward: Book a holiday -something to look forward to
Getting started:
• Work for 20 minutes only
• Do some research and tell yourself you aren’t doing any writing that day
Getting started:
• Have motivational/educational CDs/podcasts in the car
• Listen to fast tempo music before starting work
Getting started:
• Make some phone calls or do research if you can’t manage to do any writing
• Attend professional development courses/seminars/webinars -keep refreshed
Getting started:
• Read motivational literature:
• Tim Ferriss
• Eric Ries (Lean Startup)
• Smart Company
Keeping motivated on a day to day basis:
• Dynamic Business
• Anthill
• Malcolm Gladwell
• Inspirational business quotes
Keeping motivated on a day to day basis:
• Read it first thing in the morning if you’re struggling to get up
Keeping motivated on a day to day basis:
• Set yourself up for success
Creating space to write:
• Some clutter is okay
• A lot of clutter is not
Clear the decks before you start:
• Clear the desk - even if you have to shift it to another room for the time being without going through it page by page
• Peter Walsh - author
Clear the decks before you start:
• Write first thing in the morning - not for everyone but generally best for many
• Don’t be tempted to check emails before you start - distracts your brain
When should you write?
• Brain Dump – the night before, make a ‘to-do’ list of everything you have to do so you can focus on writing
• Turn off the phone, turn off the email alert, close the door, put headphones on
When should you write?
• Multi-tasking is a myth - it’s not possible -research proves it
• Getting clear on the task and writer’s block: coming up
When should you write?
This is the end of Video 1.3A
in the course:
Get Paid To Write
Module 1:
How to overcome procrastination,
writer’s block,
and rookie writing errors