Overcoming Procrastination

How the List of 100 can help you kick start your writing

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Dear Friend

How are you feeling today? I hope you’ve got those fabulous Friday vibes going on, and a weekend filled with something that brings you joy.

Do you know what brings me joy?

Writing a list when I’m feeling stuck. Especially when it comes to tackling big projects like writing a book.  

Whether it’s procrastination, self-doubt, or simply an overwhelming number of ideas, many of us face these challenges.  

One effective therapeutic journaling technique that can help you is the List of 100.  By creating a list of 100 thoughts, worries or ideas related to a particular topic or theme, you can gain clarity, hidden insights and overcome mental blocks.

Here’s the thing, the List of 100 is a powerful tool for many reasons…

1. Clarity - writing down 100 thoughts will force you to delve deep into your subconscious, bringing to light concerns and ideas you might not have been aware of.

2. Perspective - seeing everything laid out on paper helps you to identify patterns and recurring themes, which should provide a clearer understanding of your thoughts.

3. Catharsis - the act of writing out 100 items can be emotionally relieving, which should help you release pent up frustrations and any anxieties you’re holding on to.

4. Creativity - this process often sparks new ideas and solutions that you might not have considered before.  I guarantee, that if you only manage to write down 50 thoughts, it will ignite the fire in your belly. You will unblock your creativity.

5. Actionable Steps - once you have your list, it becomes easier to pinpoint specific actions you can take to move forward.

Let’s say you’re procrastinating about writing your memoir, your list might look something like this…

My writing isn’t good enough.

I get bored.

My grammar is awful.

I struggle with too many malapropisms. 

Maybe that’s the book idea?

I have so many stories to tell.

Which day or decade should I focus on? 

I have too many ideas.

I change my mind every day. 

I get restless.

I’m feeling very frustrated right now.

I promised myself I’d have completed the first draft by December 2024.

You’ll quit, I know you will.

Could I complete the first 50,000 words by September?

How would I feel if I didn’t write the book?

I don’t have enough time.

What if I spend time on it and hate it?

Everyone is writing a memoir.

Who is my muse? Ask her.

I’m overwhelmed.

I don’t even have a title.

When do I start?

I’m scared of the truth.

Nobody will want to read my book.

Why does that even bother me?

Why can’t I write the book for me?

Memoir isn’t for everyone.

Maybe I should publish my diaries rather than write a memoir?

Dare you!

I don’t have the courage. 

Why not mind map the book idea?

When was the last time you read your diaries?

Lockdown diaries, remember those?

What has changed?

You’ve probably stood still.

Look at what you’ve achieved this year already

What have you learnt?

How connected am I to myself?

Who am I trying to impress?

What’s the point of this all? 

You’re so boring.

What about your superpowers?

Write about your stories of reliance.

I’m worried about quitting.

Journaling won’t let you quit.

This is your calling.

Write a book about the small things in life.

I feel like I’m playing catch up with my life.

Why do I feel so lost?

Write 500 words now, about anything, just do it!

…and so on, until you reach 100.

By the time you finish your list, you’ll likely find some recurring themes and insights, for example…

Self doubt - many of your items on your list may revolve around fears of inadequacy or failure.

Clarity - you might realise that you have a strong desire to write a memoir but are unsure of the focus.

Action Steps - identifying specific fears can help you address them one by one, such as setting a deadline or breaking the project into smaller tasks.

Just in case you’re in the mood to flesh this out a bit further, here are a few journaling prompts inspired by the List of 100 technique, please help yourself.

1. How has making this list helped me understand my procrastination?

2. What recurring themes or fears appear in my list?

3. Which items on my list surprised me the most?

4. What small steps can I take to address the fears or challenges identified in my list?

5. How do I feel about my writing after completing my list?

6. What would be the first chapter or section of my book based on my list?

7. Which stories or ideas from my list am I most excited to explore further?

8. How can I turn my self-doubt into a motivator for writing?

9.  What is one action I can take today to move closer to my writing goal?

10. Reflect on a past success.  How can that experience help me overcome my writing block?

I hope you’ve found the List of 100 technique useful. It’s a pathway to deeper self understanding and creative liberation.  I find it so fascinating.  By harnessing the power of this method, you can navigate through your writing blocks and uncover the true potential of storytelling.

Enjoy!

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe. xx

PS. I listened to a fabulous lecture on The Lit House podcast given by one of my favourite authors Elizabeth Strout, on how to throw caution to the wind and Just Keep Going