Procrastination is something that affects just about everyone. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or entrepreneur, putting things off until the last minute can seem like an endless cycle that’s hard to break. This is especially true for erotica writers, as their works often contain explicit content and evoke a wide range of emotions. With so many distractions – from social media to video games – it’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination. In this blog post, we will explore what procrastination is, where it comes from, and how to overcome it, with a particular focus on how it affects writers of erotic fiction.
What is procrastination?
Procrastination is the act of putting off tasks or decisions that need to be done, usually until the last possible moment. It is often associated with feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and laziness. Procrastination can be detrimental to productivity, personal development, and overall well-being.
What causes procrastination?
Procrastination has many causes. Some people lack the motivation or skills to complete a task, while others feel overwhelmed or anxious about the outcome. In some cases, procrastination can also be due to perfectionism, where the person feels that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. External factors such as social media, excessive television viewing, and other distractions can also contribute to procrastination.
Are there situations in which writers of erotic fiction are particularly affected by procrastination?
Authors of erotic fiction can suffer from procrastination due to the sensitive nature of their work. Writing erotic fiction can evoke strong feelings of arousal or shame that can be difficult to manage. Authors also often struggle to find the right words to express themselves accurately, as there can be a fine line between erotica and pornography. The pressure to write something that is both sensual and respectful can lead to procrastination because the writer doesn’t know where to start.
How do you overcome procrastination?
It takes time and effort to overcome procrastination. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and make a commitment to improve your habits. Next, analyze why you procrastinate. Are you overwhelmed, anxious, or unmotivated? Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to overcome it:
Set clear goals: Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This makes the overall process less daunting and makes it easier to get started.
Find your most productive time: Identify the time of day when you are most productive and try to work on your projects during this time.
Limit distractions: Create an environment that is free of distractions. Silence your phone, turn off notifications and avoid other distractions to help you focus on your task.
Use the Pomodoro technique: Work with focus for a set amount of time (usually 25 minutes) and then take a short break. This can help to maintain focus and reduce procrastination.
Overcome perfectionism: Accept that your first version doesn’t have to be perfect. The first step is often the hardest, so allow yourself to make mistakes and improve your work later.
Find inspiration: Look for inspiration, be it by reading books, looking at art or listening to music. Sometimes this can help restore your writing flow.
Seek support: Share your challenges with others. Sometimes it can help to talk to friends, colleagues or mentors for perspective and advice.
Procrastination is a common problem that affects almost everyone. However, writers of erotic fiction are more prone to procrastination due to the sensitive nature of their work. By understanding the causes of procrastination and using strategies to overcome it, you can increase your productivity and improve the quality of your work. No matter what kind of writing you do, overcoming procrastination is an important skill that can help you succeed in both your personal and professional life.
