We must override the fear that is at the root of our procrastination.
I want to submit articles to other publications, yet, I procrastinate. I hesitate. I detect an underlying vein of fear running through me. Why the heck is this so?
I took the big plunge in January to publish on Medium, thanks to the encouragement of a friend. After taking that dive, shouldn’t the next platform and the following one be a dog paddle in comparison? Again, why the hesitation?
After a few moments of contemplation, I get it — the dreaded imposter syndrome has reappeared.
I’m new to writing, having started a blog less than three years ago. Yes, three years is a reasonable amount of time to have improved. However, I write and publish one article a week on that platform.
Since January of this year, I’ve submitted my articles to Medium — several a week — giving me more practice to evolve as a writer. I also am privileged to have a writing partner who is a retired creative writing professor at a prestigious university. How lucky can one be?
I’m thrilled to have Meg as a partner and have already learned oodles of tips, tactics, and rules of writing to help me on this incredible journey.
Still, I procrastinate, and the imposter syndrome persists.
Perhaps it is because my fellow writers are putting out excellent stories and essays, and mine pale in comparison?
The other side of the equation is I’m so enjoying the writing process — I don’t want to take the time, necessary though it is, to figure out how to submit to various publications.
Do you find yourself delaying a project or activity repeatedly, unaware of why? Or perhaps you are conscious of the why, still, you put it off?
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I enjoy exercising except for the weight-lifting part — yet I rarely procrastinate there. I certainly don’t enjoy tidying the house — yet I wouldn’t dream of living in a messy home.
So why the reluctance to take the time to apply to other publications? Yup, fear and the imposter syndrome must be the culprits holding me hostage.
"The only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action. "— Alexander Graham Bell.
Enough whining — I will apply to a few of the excellent publications under the Medium umbrella.
I know I am not alone in this dilemma. Many of you encounter uncertainty and indecision, too. Let’s stop this and be accountable, if not to someone — to ourselves.
I am fully aware that procrastination when repeated, can become a way of life. I know I will not allow that to happen. I take pride in doing what I say I will do when someone else is relying on me.
I’m relying on myself, and I am every bit as important as another.
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