[Emotions And Writing Series] Procrastination Is Actually About Feelings

Procrastination is usually associated with negative self-talk, like laziness or ineptitude. But the real reason behind it is emotional. I start the episode by discussing how academics think about procrastination and why that mindset backfires. Then, I share a framework to help you get out of the cycle of procrastination around a writing project.

There is a very close connection between procrastination and emotions. Procrastination isn’t about productivity; it’s about feelings. If you struggle with procrastination and want to get to the heart of the problem, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to break through procrastination and get your writing project back on track!

Why Do You Procrastinate?

Here are some examples of the messages academics tell themselves about procrastination.

1. I’m waiting to write because I need a big block of time and can’t schedule that right now.
2. The writing project is almost finished, so it’s okay to put it off now.
3. Negative self-talk, such as ‘I’m lazy, I’m disorganized, I’m not smart enough or qualified enough.’

Procrastination has a negative connotation, and we give it these labels without understanding the real reason behind it. When we don’t address the emotional cause of procrastination, we get into a cycle where we procrastinate more and more, and more, and the project never gets done because the idea of finishing is too overwhelming or unattainable.

I recommend reading the book, Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price. 

Framework to Get Out of the Cycle of Procrastination

If you are struggling with procrastination, ask yourself, ‘What am I avoiding feeling when I put off writing?’ Then, follow this framework to break the procrastination cycle.

Step 1: Name the feeling you are avoiding by procrastinating.

Example: You don’t know the answer to the problem you are writing about.

Step 2: Put a positive feeling on the emotion you are avoiding.

Example: If you are avoiding the feeling of ineptitude or fear of not knowing the answer to the problem you are trying to solve, try saying, ‘Not knowing is part of scholarship.’

Step 3: Make a plan to work through the feeling you are trying to avoid and break the procrastination cycle.

Example: What resources will help you find the answer? Can you do more research, consult a colleague, or bring in a co-author?

“The word procrastination is a very negative word. That’s why I don’t like to use it. When I hear my client talking about procrastinating, I try to shut it down because they are labeling instead of finding the reason that it is happening. When you label not working on a writing project as procrastination you aren’t answering the more important question which is what is going on that makes me put off writing.” 

“The true cause of procrastination in your writing is not going to be solved by a productivity book. It is not even going to be solved by a writing book necessarily. Using a new tool or using a bullet journey is not going to help you solve the problem of procrastination because it is an emotion-based problem.”

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CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:

1. Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of papers so that their voice can have the impact they know is possible. Get on the waitlist here!
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