This is Bonus Video 1.3A in the course: Get Paid To Write Copy Module 1: How to overcome procrastination, writer’s block, and rookie writing errors

Learning outcomes: How to: Overcome procrastination Deal with perfectionism Create space to write Write, edit and proof efficiently Write quickly Keep motivated

We’re afraid that the final result will not be good enough This fear stops us from starting “Perfectionist” Syndrome People pride themselves on it - not a quality we should aspire to! Why don’t we start sooner?

To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness To postpone or delay needlessly It’s a habit - needs to be worked on constantly Overcoming procrastination:

Leads to – less confidence defensiveness reduced productivity demand for higher standards from others this creates pressure on others to match your standards – perpetuates the cycle Perfectionism:

Get clear about the task – often confusion about what is needed causes procrastination Break the job down into chunks Read a motivational book or listen to a podcast – have it handy Solutions to procrastination:

Start with the end in mind - visualise what the final product/piece will look like Stop - go for a walk, a bike ride, get a coffee, tackle another part - but come back!!! Solutions to procrastination:

Say to yourself: “Complete Complete Complete” “This is good enough for now” “This will do” “I will make it better next time” “This has to get finished now” “It’s probably better than I think it is” “Will more tinkering make it measurably better?” Mantras to manage procrastination:

What’s the worst that can happen? We’re not saving lives Will this matter in 10/10/10? Mantras to manage procrastination:

If you’re not scared once a day, you’re not growing Visit a cemetery – often. Acknowledge this is where you’ll end up – so you may as well live life to full and not care what the critics think Mantras to manage procrastination:

Promise yourself that you’ll only write for 20 minutes. Make phone calls if you don’t feel like writing. Getting started:

Go to a café and make notes in a book if you don’t feel like writing Make an appointment to see a supplier/strategic alliance to get motivated without doing any work Getting started:

Think how good you’ll feel when it’s done. Plan a lunch with a friend at 1pm – if you are on a roll, cancel the lunch and schedule dinner. Getting started:

Write with a buddy Set an immovable deadline – book a holiday Short term reward: “When I finish this job/page/project, I’ll book a massage/lunch Getting started:

Long term reward: Book a holiday – something to look forward to Work for 20 minutes only Getting started:

Do some research and tell yourself you aren’t doing any writing that day Have motivational/educational CDs/Podcasts in the car Listen to fast tempo music before starting work Getting started:

Make some phone calls or do research if you can’t manage to do any writing Attend professional development courses/seminars/webinars – keep refreshed Getting started:

Read motivational literature: Tim Ferris Eric Ries (Lean Start Up) Smart Company Dynamic Business Anthill Malcolm Gladwell Inspirational business quotes Keeping motivated on a day to day basis:

Read it first thing in the morning if you’re struggling to get up Keeping motivated on a day to day basis:

Creating space to write:

Some clutter is okay A lot of clutter is not Clear the decks before you start:

Clear the desk – even if you have to shift it to another room for the time being without going through it page by page Peter Walsh - author Clear the decks before you start:

Write first thing in the morning – not for everyone but generally best for many Don’t be tempted to check s before you start – distracts your brain Brain Dump – make a ‘to do’ list the night before of everything you have to do so you can focus on writing When should you write?

Turn off the phone, turn off the alert, close the door, put headphones on Multi-tasking is a myth – it’s not possible – research proves it Getting clear on the task and writer’s block: coming up! When should you write?

This is the end of Bonus Video 1.3A in the course: Get Paid To Write Copy Module 1: How to overcome procrastination, writer’s block, and rookie writing errors