As a wise friend once quipped, “If procrastination was a job, I’d be a millionaire.” I remember chuckling and thinking, why stop at a millionaire? Let’s shoot for billionaire status in the grand league of dawdling!
I'm no stranger to the siren song of procrastination. My list of excuses not to write could circle the globe twice. It’s too sunny to sit indoors; it’s raining, perfect weather for a nap; I’m on holiday, brain’s off-duty; I haven’t had a holiday, brain’s overworked; I’m not inspired; I’m stuck; the house is a mess; still waiting for the tax return – and on it goes ad infinitum (which is latin for dilly-dallying).
But here’s the twist: What if we turn these excuses on their head? What if the reasons NOT to write become our reasons TO write? It’s like finding a secret passage in the labyrinth of procrastination that leads to a treasure trove of creativity and discovery. Today, why not concoct an excuse to unleash your inner wordsmith?
That’s my new mantra. I find an excuse to write and link it to an emotional goal. It’s akin to setting a goal for a character in a story. Today, for instance, I’m on a mission to explore the intricate dynamics between my two protagonists. And who knows? I might even stumble upon some revelations about myself in the process.
Now, let’s talk practicality. This means I’m rocking the close-toed shoes (a small price to pay for self-consciousness). But more importantly, it means I’m armed with a clear emotional goal. So, when my brain craftily suggests it’s time to clip my embarrassingly long toenails for the sake of sandal-wearing freedom, I have a counteroffer ready. Today, creativity takes the driver’s seat, not pedicure emergencies. And trust me, I’m sticking to this resolution (pun absolutely intended).
So, how about you? Can you concoct just one excuse to write today?
The Subtle Art of Excuse Alchemy
This whole concept might sound a bit like alchemy – turning the lead of procrastination into the gold of productivity. It’s about recognizing those moments when you’re about to say, “I can’t write because…” and flipping the script. Suddenly, “It’s too nice out” becomes “What a fantastic setting for a scene in my story.” Rainy days? Perfect ambiance for writing that melancholic chapter. No holiday in ages? Channel that restlessness into a character’s journey.
This isn’t just about making the best of a bad situation; it’s about reprogramming our creative brains. We’re teaching ourselves to see opportunities for inspiration in every excuse. It’s a radical shift from viewing procrastination as a barrier to seeing it as a launchpad.
Embracing Creative Play
Now, embracing this mindset doesn’t mean throwing all discipline out the window. It’s about striking a balance between structure and whimsy. Setting a regular writing schedule is great, but sometimes, the best ideas come when we least expect them. It’s about being open to the possibility that creativity can strike at any moment, even in the most mundane of circumstances.
From Excuse to Execution: Practical Tips
- List Your Excuses: Start by jotting down every reason you come up with not to write. Be honest; the sillier, the better.
- Flip Each Excuse: For each reason not to write, find a creative angle that turns it into a reason to write. Stuck indoors because it’s raining? Write a scene where your character gets caught in a downpour.
- Set Small Goals: If the thought of writing for hours is daunting, set a timer for 15 minutes. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in short bursts of focused writing.
- Reward Yourself: If you successfully turn an excuse into a writing session, reward yourself. Maybe it’s time to finally let those toes see the sunlight in those sandals.
- Reflect and Revise: At the end of each week, reflect on how well you transformed procrastination into productivity. What worked? What didn’t? Adjust your strategy accordingly.
Your Creative Journey Awaits
Writing isn’t always about waiting for the stars to align or for inspiration to strike. It’s about finding inspiration in the stars' refusal to align. It's about looking at a list of excuses and seeing a list of opportunities. So, I challenge you: Next time you catch yourself crafting an excuse not to write, pause, flip it, and let it fuel your creative fire.
Just for today, can you transform an excuse into a reason to write? Remember, every excuse is a story waiting to be told. Unleash it! No Excuses.
