Dear Faculty RelationsÌý–ÌýWe’re several weeks into the summer break and let’s just say I haven’t hit my writing goals. I need your sympathy, but more importantly, I need tools. What does my brain need to stay on track?Ìý –Thoroughly BlockedÌý
Dear Thoroughly BlockedÌý–ÌýAt the end of May, many of us decide that this will be THE summer when we tackle the projects we avoided during the academic year. But if we don’t make writing a priority, there is no way that this romantic vision–sitting outdoors on the veranda and drinking iced tea while writing four hours a day–is going to happen. So, what can you do to turn procrastination into productivity?ÌýÌý
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Writing is a habit. Writing isn’t the hard part. The hard part is anxiety and stress, and one way through this anxiety is to write daily. It doesn’t have to be official. It might mean jotting down ideas or taking notes while reading. Sometimes asking questions is enough to get me started. When the stakes aren’t high, you will resist less.ÌýÌý
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Embrace the barf draft. Don’t wait until your article is perfectly organized in your mind. I like to challenge myself to write the worst draft possible because I know the only way to clean up the hot mess of information rolling around in my brain is to put it on paper. When you let go of perfection, it’s amazing how much you can accomplish.Ìý
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Find an accountability strategy that works for you. Most of us benefit from accountability. I promise you that you have colleagues (or just a friend) who would love to partner up for daily writing sessions. You can do it over Zoom. In person. Maybe even on your veranda! The point is to build trust in your ability to do hard things. Practice not perfection is the road to success.ÌýÌý
I hope this summer will be full of sun, fun, and … writing? No, that doesn’t rhyme, but as I said above, I am the queen of the barf draft and I am on a deadline. Happy Writing!
Written by Leslie Blood, Director of Graduate Community and Professional Development, Graduate School.