Perfectionism paralysis may appear in a variety of ways, including: never got around to starting. Having an idea but never writing it down. Always take notes, but never transform them into a finished piece. Stuck on a single word, phrase, or paragraph. Getting stuck in a loop where you fix one problem only to make another one appear.
The most common form of perfectionism paralysis is the inability to start anything. You have an amazing idea for a story or novel and can't bring yourself to write it down because you know it's not perfect yet. You fear that if you put your own thoughts onto paper they will be judged as poor quality compared with what else is out there. Or maybe you just don't want other people to see what you think of as a weak imagination.
Other forms of perfectionism paralysis include: never getting around to finishing something you started. This could be as simple as writing a first draft of a paper and then leaving it at that. More commonly, it involves spending hours each day playing video games or browsing Facebook, and then complaining that you haven't written anything even though you've still been using those tools.
Paralysis from over-analysis occurs when you try to analyze every aspect of your work before starting. This includes thinking through all possible plot twists, characters' motivations, and different ways of saying the same thing.
Anxiousness. Lack of confidence, procrastination Inadequate productivity when writing.
The main obstacle that prevents us from writing is anxiety. We are afraid to write what we think and feel because we fear it may not be good enough or the audience will not like it. This leads to writing that is vague, unclear, and full of mistakes. Also, we may put off writing until a later date which results in more anxiety since we know there is something we should be doing but can't find the time. Finally, if we do start writing but don't finish what we begin then this creates even more anxiety since we feel like we have started but not finished.
Another reason why we cannot write is because we do not have anything to write about. If no idea comes to us then we will never write anything down so we need to find ways to get ideas into our heads or at least consider trying some different methods. For example, you could listen to music while writing to get ideas as well as keep your mind active. Another method would be to ask yourself questions when writing such as asking yourself what would happen next in your story or character analysis.
Finally, an obstacle that prevents us from writing is lack of confidence.
We end up thinking about writing, wishing to be writing, fantasizing about writing, but seldom putting pen to paper or fingers to computer. There may be days, if not weeks, between writing sessions. Writing seems difficult when you are out of practice or inconsistent with your writing routine. The secret is to write often.
When you write regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes a day, you increase your brain power. Your mind is still while you're writing so you can think more clearly and solve problems more easily when you return to your work.
The more you write the better you'll get at it. So start now!
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Authors Cast Inc.
