Oh BTW just listen to my first conference call, very helpful. Perhaps one day I’ll join in, but I’ll make sure to tuen off my phone LOL

The good thing about pain is that it makes us pay attention!

Thanks, Maura. I like your use of the adjective “avid”!

Hi May,

I think the main thing is to keep trying. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Just don’t give up!

Procrastination is tough to overcome, but it can be done! For me, one of the best tools I use to fight it is MINDMAPPING! Do you use this, May? Have you received my free ebooklet on the topic?

Procrastination is one of those partners I just can’t seem to stop dancing with. I’ve been writing a book for about ten months now, and the going has been getting progressively smoother. Your column has been an indispensable aid. However, the dance seems to go on and on.

I have worked with starting writing earlier in the day, breaking it into small sessions, setting a daily plan, and using rewards for myself. I have relied on meditation and practicing being aware of my habit. All of these things have helped enormously. But so many days, it still feels like a physical effort to just focus.

Put simply, I feel like writing intimidates me, because of how big it all seems. I get skittish and wander to something less threatening. Once I start for the day, I feel much better, but that is the hardest part. So the more columns you write about procrastination or motivation, the more grateful I am. And I’m pretty grateful already.

Once again, thanks. And I attest to how useful planning can be, even if it’s a small scale plan.

I think it’s interesting how often we all tell ourselves that certain things are impossible! When I tell people they could write a book in a year by producing just 350 words a day (on weekdays only!) they are always astonished. But it’s true!