Procrastination is so easy when we have a project in mind but are not sure where to begin. That writing course we wanted to take still waits for us to register and get started. We have finished essays and stories which we want to submit for publication but they remain in our files.
We wait all too often and, when we do, nothing much happens. The project is still only a thought. The writing course is not doing us any good if we aren't participation. The stories will never be published if we don't take that first step of submitting.
Why do we wait? Why do we put off things we really would like to accomplish? Why oh why?
One reason is fear of failure. It is pretty easy to figure out that, if we don't do something, we aren't going to fail. If you try something and it doesn't work, what is the worst that will happen? Nothing earth-shaking. And, as the poster says, you will get older. Nothing else.
Another reason is what we talked about yesterday--self-doubt. Read yesterday's post for more on that.
I hate to even list this third reason but it's necessary. Sometimes we wait too long because we are lazy. Pursuing any of the things mentioned in the first paragraph here means work on your part. Maybe there are times when you just do not want to work at it. That's fine but it won't get you published or make you grow as a writer.
If you're guilty of any of the above, start out correcting it by setting small goals. Note that I said small. Accomplish one and move on to the next. Don't take on a huge project or you'll be so overwhelmed you'll give up quickly. Work on believing that you can do these projects or can market your work.
Waiting in one spot gets you nowhere in a hurry. Don't let that happen to you.
So, so true. I haven't written one thing in two years, all I do is think about it.
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