Comments on: The definitive guide to reducing writing stress

By: Lost In Space

Lost In Space — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 21:21:00 +0000

In reply to Daphne Gray-Grant. Probably hadn't drunk enough coffee???? When I read it lol

By: Daphne Gray-Grant

Daphne Gray-Grant — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 22:24:00 +0000

In reply to Rhonda. So glad this is helping, Rhonda. Remember: we are all our own worst critics!

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 21:52:00 +0000

Again, how good is this article. Several items caught my attention, but I think I would have to choose #8 Lower your standards. I have received high distinctions from the last three papers I have done in post grad studies. I know it’s crazy, but in the back of my mind is the fact that the lecturers have given me this grade to make me feel good and yet at the same time as a college they can’t do that as they certainly have qualifications to meet. I’m realizing more and more how hard I am on myself and am learning how to let go and relax more. Your encouragement and inspiration from your articles are certainly valuable!!! :))

By: Daphne Gray-Grant

Daphne Gray-Grant — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 00:44:00 +0000

In reply to William Stoner. Thanks for the book recommendation. I really appreciate it.

By: William Stoner

William Stoner — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 00:18:00 +0000

In reply to Daphne Gray-Grant.

Daphne,
I recommend Minsky’s book, Society of the Mind, because Minsky has some insights on the tricks your mind plays on itself. Recognizing these tricks might enable us to work more effectively, like activating our brains by sending our work to someone who might provide comments. You might be able to borrow the Society of the Mind from a public library. Minsky has a more recent book, The Emotion Machine, but I haven’t read it.

By: Daphne Gray-Grant

Daphne Gray-Grant — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 22:06:00 +0000

In reply to Lost In Space. Not clear on how you hadn't read it properly...??

By: Lost In Space

Lost In Space — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 22:04:00 +0000

In reply to Daphne Gray-Grant. Another way to reduce stress, read the blog post properly duh LOL

By: Daphne Gray-Grant

Daphne Gray-Grant — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 23:42:00 +0000

In reply to William Stoner. That's a really interesting suggestion, William. Your comparison — of what happens after you give the writing to someone else — to the "instant regret" after sending an email is very evocative. Great metaphor!

By: William Stoner

William Stoner — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 22:31:00 +0000

Daphne,
If possible, get started writing early (as soon as I have something to write) because getting an early start helps ward off stress. Engaging my conscious mind EARLY gives my subconscious MORE TIME to operate and I find helpful ideas start popping into my consciousness when I am sleeping or busy doing another task. Once I have written about three pages, I try to interest someone else in reading the material. Often, I get new thoughts about the material shortly after providing it to someone else – the same way we get instant regrets after sending an email. Even if I never hear anything from the person who agreed to read the material, my own mind is activated because I shared my draft material.

By: Daphne Gray-Grant

Daphne Gray-Grant — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 15:20:00 +0000

In reply to Lost In Space. I hadn't seen this as a stress issue but now that I think about it I realize you're quite right! Failing to edit (especially for tone) can lead to LOTS of stress later!