Thread by @Kjellvdv

Can you relate to this?

You're ready to start writing. Laptop open, coffee at hand, instrumental music playing. Phone in the other room.

But no words come...

Suddenly you remember about the laundry and you're off.

Procrastination affects us all.

Here's how to deal with it.

1. Prepare better

Writing doesn't work when you don't prepare well.

Do the research and find the missing information before you start working.

Try the flow circle for writing.

Here's how:

1. Prepare research and outline
2. TAKE A BREAK
3. Write
4. Lean back and relax

Why is taking a break between preparation and writing key?

It allows your brain to relax and connect the ideas you just wrote down.

2. Fewer interruptions

Instead of getting up for the laundry, write it down as a task.

Have a paper and pen at hand to write down these little to-dos as they pop up.

Get them out of your head without losing time.

Close your door

Nothing is worse than someone coming into the room while you're in a writing flow.

For me, it often kills the mood and I can't even get back to writing that day.

NO phone

Is your laptop slow? Websites taking ages to load?

Breath in. And out. Do NOT check your phone.

One minute turns into two and so on. You know how it works.

3. Clear goals and deadlines

Procrastination is caused by FEAR.

Your fear that you aren't good enough. Your fear that you won't make it in time. Your fear that it won't matter.

Clear goals help you to find the purpose in your writing.

Be intentional about it. Hit publish. Spread the word.

Make a mindset shift.

As @dbustac tweeted recently: get your dopamine from hitting publish, not from the notification bell.

You are good enough.

Forget about imposter syndrome.

@Arvidkahl has a few interesting words to share about this. If people give you feedback about something, whatever they do not mention, doesn't bother them.

That's likely more than 95% of your essay.

Still dealing with procrastination?

4. Get an accountability partner. Find someone on your level. I meet with @mikelambpdx every Friday.

I can disappoint myself, but not Mike.

5. Find inspiration

Are you reading enough? Listening to podcasts?

Where do you get your ideas?

You can't serve whisky from an empty bottle. You need to fill up your bottle from time to time.

Worst case, ask for help. People don't bite.

Thanks, @lukecannon727for suggesting this thread idea.

Woops, @lukecannon727 ...