Creative Writing and Procrastination - Why You're Reading This Article Right Now Instead Of Writing

How did you come to read this article? It probably went something like this: there you were, with some time to spare, wondering if you should start writing something new, or maybe continue writing something you’ve already started.

“I’ll just check my email first though”, you probably said to yourself.

Ten minutes later, email checked, time to write. Right? Wrong.

“Maybe while I’m online iIll just have a quick browse on the internet for some writing tips, or a writing exercise I could do. That’ll motivate me to get writing…”

So, sometime later you came across this article you’re reading right now. And you still haven’t started writing.

Sounding familiar?

And I bet this isn’t the first time you’ve followed this pattern of behaving?

But this meandering trail of action never actually gets you closer to writing. So why does it happen?

The thinking behind it goes something like:

“I can’t write yet because iIm not good enough and the conditions aren’t quite right. There’s all this other stuff that needs attending to first. Then, if I get all that out of the way, I have time to find out a little bit more about how to write. Then when I’ve learnt enough and have enough information, I’ll be in the perfect position to start writing again.”

Ouch. There’s the “p” word that’s at the crux of it all. Perfection.

When’s the perfect time to write? Right now. You’ll never know all there is about writing.

Yes there are books you can read and courses you can take to help you write, and i’d encourage you to try them. But while you continue to write your own stuff, not instead of writing your own stuff.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this way of thinking and this cycle of behaviour. Far from it.

Everyone experiences this - the other dreaded “p” word of procrastination - some time or other.

The only solution to overcome it? Write. Just sit down, set a timer for 15 minutes and write non-stop until the timer rings.

Then do the same thing tomorrow at the same time. And the day after, and the day after that. It doesn’t matter how you write, where you write or what you write. But just write. It’s the only cure...

Kick start your creative writing right away - get your free 5 part creative writing ecourse at now at www.YouAreACreativeWriter.Com (But not until you’ve done your 15 minutes of writing!)

Creativity Coach and keen creative writer Dan Goodwin helps people who are struggling to be as creative as they know they can be. See more at his website: www.CoachCreative.com