Negative Self Talk for Writers: Catastrophizing
July 28, 2008 by John Hewitt
Catastrophizing occurs when you expect the worst to happen, especially in situations in which the risks are moderate or low and the reward is worthwhile. This can result in a sort of paralysis, keeping you from taking on new challenges or assignments because you can only conceive of failure. For writers this tends to strike at the beginning of a project or when you are considering taking on a new project. All of the negative possibilities stack up in your mind and seem realistic no matter how improbable they are.
Here is an example of catastrophizing:
Poor self talk: I can’t believe I agreed to take on a ghostwriting assignment. This guy couldn’t explain how to sweat on a hot day. He’s going to hate it and fire me and never pay me a cent. I’m wasting his time and my time. I can’t make him look good. I should just stick to writing my own stuff and never take on an assignment like this again.
Realistic self talk: Ghostwriting should be an interesting challenge. I don’t have to come up with the ideas; I just need to find a way to make them clear. If I can’t get the right information from the client, I need to either ask better questions or find some additional sources. He’s paying me to do something he can’t do, that’s why I am in business. He’s willing to pay me good money and if I just trust myself, I can deliver a good product.
Some ways to avoid Catastrophizing
- Ask yourself if you have any proof that the problems you are anticipating are realistic.
- Decide what precautions you can take to prevent the worst from happening.
- Understand that a little fear at the beginning of an unfamiliar project is understandable, but trust yourself to solve whatever problems come your way.
Note: The terminology I am using from an excellent textbook called Stress Management for Wellness by Walt Schafer
Related links
- 4-Hour Work Week: Lessons for Writers (0.500)
- How to be a Productive Writer (0.500)
- Seven Powerful Tips for Maximizing Your Freelance Writing Business (0.500)
- Are You Determined Enough to be a Freelance Writer? (0.500)
- 5 Ways Writers Can Get Their Lives Back (0.500)
Contact John Hewitt
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Email: hewitt@poewar.comPhone: (520) 261-6104
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To avoid catastrophizing you can also take some time off and play/practice.
If you expect the worst, then that is almost always exactly what you will find.
John, this is one area I’m working on. I’m not sure what I do is to the point of catastrophizing, but the negative self-talk does creep in, and when it does I’m working on being more aware of it and hitting the mute button. Self-programming and all of that….
Now if only I could learn how to program a tivo, I’d have some friends and family who could put me to “real” work.
@ Max:
Three sentences next time, then you can include a plug.
@ Writer Dad
Dark, my friend. Dark.
@ Amy
It can be a real challenge to stop yourself from doing it, but it is certainly worth the work.