It’s a dull, rainy, cold, miserable day in Toronto and I am spinning my wheels.
I’ve got several articles to write, having done the interviews and research required to get going. But I just can’t get started. I’ve read some of the blogs I follow for inspiration, but that’s not working. I have already procrastinated by going through e-mails and my in-box is empty. So it’s me and my equally empty little head.
I know the problem, and it’s the fact that I’m not bumping up against an urgent deadline. Last week I had many of them, making each day a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of experience. This week started similarly, but has calmed down. That should be a good thing. It is a good thing.
So once I post this, I’ll open one of the waiting documents and get to work. My trick is to start with “Clever heading here” as a placemarker for later when inspiration hits. Then I’ll start organizing my notes and looking for the “what’s in it for me” aspect of interest to employees who will ultimately read the article I eventually pull together. The simple act of putting a few words together always gets something going.
But thank goodness it’s Friday!
How do you kick-start yourself when you hit a similar slump?
I have a couple of things. One is I’ve got two dogs sitting beside me most of the time. All I have to do is stretch and they’re on their feet, willing to go for a walk. I often take them out to get some fresh air and get the juices flowing.
My second kick-start mechanism (aside from all the procrastinating I’ve got down to a fine art) is I keep a file open on my desk. It’s got a whole bunch of headings, like “Cars I’ve owned” “Movies I’ve seen” Birthdays I remember” — the titles can be anything. They amount to a whole series of lists. I like to try coming up with as many items as I can, then over time, I add detail to the list. Eventually, I can end up with a pretty complete list. It’s easy to add to, and I find that once I start working on it, it often gets me going enough that I can switch over to the work I’ve got on my plate and get going.
You’ve hit the nail on the head, Dave – it’s finding something to get you going, and your list method sounds effective. And dogs certainly are useful for brain freshening. I too have the dog nearby who jumps to attention as soon as I stand up (or turn off the printer), ready for a walk. In fact he’s whining at me now, but this call is for dinner!