Procrastination is Sneaky
Procrastination doesn’t look like Procrastination. It’s super sneaky.
Let us give you an example. Sometimes procrastination looks like research: “Once I do a little more research, I’ll be ready to write my book.” Or it looks like conducting an interview: “I can write that next chapter once I schedule an interview with her.” It’s easy for these things to come between you and your writing. You think you need to do a "thing" before you can do the writing.
The thing is, the writing is the thing.
You have to make time to write AND do research, conduct interviews, etc. What separates pros from amateurs is their ability to recognize the difference. Schedule time for the writing and then schedule a separate time for the other things. That’s how you keep procrastination from getting between you and your writing.
If you’re waiting on the right time to write your book, you are wasting your time. The best time is now. The conditions have never been better, seriously. The things you are waiting on can wait. Write what you know now. Procrastination makes you think there’s a perfect time. Perfectionism is another form of procrastination.
Here are three easy ways to beat procrastination:
#1. Set goals. If your goal is to write a book, give yourself a daily word count goal. Here’s an easy one: 250 words a day. That’s easy (Goals should be easy, BTW). If you write 250 words a day for six months, you’ll have 45,000 words. Most books contract for 55,000 words. A daily word goal helps combat procrastination while providing a finish line. Plus, we bet you’ll crush that goal and go over 250 words.
#2. Reward yourself. It’s important for you to set milestones to reward your progress. We like to call those “victory laps.” Finish a chapter, victory lap. Query an editor, victory lap. It’s up to you to choose what that victory lap looks like - a bowl of ice cream, a glass of wine, etc. - but it’s important that you take the lap.
#3. Schedule it. The things that get scheduled get done. If you want to leave your writing up to chance, the whims of the day, you’re making it harder. Schedule your writing time. Having it on the calendar takes out the stress.
Procrastination never looks like procrastination - it wears many disguises. Intentionality can go a long way to defeating it. Be intentional with your time. Don’t let procrastination rob you of writing your book. Give these tips a try and procrastination won’t sneak up on you again.
Take Action: Book a call with us today!
If you have questions about moving forward with your book, we’ve got some help for you in that department. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our agents. During this time, we teach and coach first-time and veteran authors interested in advancing their careers, using our unparalleled experience, hard-won wisdom, and industry-leading strengths to help them reach their full potential.
