What is successful writing? And how can motivation play a part in your achieving successful writing?
You, along with many people, may be celebrating holidays this week. It’s probably been next to impossible for you to do the writing that you had promised yourself you would do. It may also have been quite some time since you produced any text at all.
Getting started after being away from your writing for a while may be a challenge.
To me, whatever writing you can do will be successful writing. The most successful writing is that first writing that you get on the screen or on the page after there’s been a slowdown or a complete stoppage. To start, regardless of how much conflict you feel, and to write through whatever anxiety you’re feeling are causes for celebration.
During this holiday season, you have some time where you can slow down a bit. You can forgive yourself for all the times you didn’t write. Let go of that regret. Let’s think about a different way to approach your writing.
What would it be like for you to stay in a calm, trusting mood for a couple of days? Trust that you can feel some anxiety, but write anyway. Trust that you will find your way through the work when you return to it. Plan the time when you will return to your work and envision yourself doing the work.
This is the time to refill the well and to nurture yourself. Stay in a calm and trusting mode, knowing that you will move into the plan at the appropriate time.
If you’re interested in how a boot camp might be part of the plan, check out my website: www.nancywhichard.com. And sign up for my free e-newsletter, too. The issue that’s going out very soon will also have an article on boot camps.
All good wishes for a Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday,
Nancy
Nancy Whichard, Ph.D., PCC
Your International Dissertation and Academic Career Coach
www.nancywhichard.com
thanks, this website is so helpful esp. now that I have begun to discipline myself to write everyday. taking things one step at a time helps a lot.
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Thanks so much for your kind words. Congratulations on writing everyday!
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Is there such thing as a defense anxiety? I am really keen to defend this summer but at the same time am anxious given the uncertainty of the job market & wondering if I will be able to complete all the write-up & final expts. How do I deal with this?
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It’s not surprising that you’re feeling a bit of anxiety–you’re dealing with a lot of important issues. To move through all of this, plan, schedule, and take one step at a time. Also, read my blog post on March 1, 2008: “Feel the Anxiety and Keep the Writing Going.” Thanks for writing!
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