Negative Self Talk for Writers: Obsessing
August 8, 2008 by J.C. Hewitt
Obsessing occurs when you take a relatively minor problem or issue and dwell on it to the point of distraction. This can often happen in the writing process when you find yourself focusing on a sentence or paragraph that “just doesn’t work”. You focus all of your energy on this relatively small problem and then find yourself rushing through later work because you didn’t leave yourself enough time. To me this is different than awfulizing or perfectionism because you often know it is a minor issue, but you talk yourself into continuing to focus on it.
Here is an example of obsessing:
Poor self talk: I can’t verify the year that the first zoning law went into effect in this state. Let me try Googling it. No luck. I really want to get this done. I’ll search the state planning and zoning web site. Nope. This is just bothering the heck out of me. Maybe I can call them. No one’s answering. I’ll do another search. I should try the library. Should I go there or should I call? Which library should I call?
Realistic self talk: I can’t verify the year that the first zoning law went into effect in this state. I’ll put a guess in for now with a question mark by it. I can always come back to it later or leave that part out. The important thing is that I finish this draft so that I have something to work from.
Some ways to avoid obsessing:
- Ask yourself if the issue is worth the time you are spending on it
- Write down or otherwise note the problem so that you will remember to deal with it when the time is appropriate
- Make a list of your priorities and see where the issue lands on the list
Note: The terminology I am using from an excellent textbook called Stress Management for Wellness by Walt Schafer
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So true. It can be so hard to get hung up on detail – the 80% now, vs 100% late rule is something I try to keep in mind. (especially when you may find your 80% would be of a standard that many would expect at 100%) and that goes back to your other ‘perfectionism’ posts in this series.
ABBs last blog post..Open censorship, media manipulation or quiet quashing of criticism.
i really spend my time on things like that, but maybe with your tips now i can get off them
narendra.s.vs last blog post..Apple iphone in Shuffle and Nano Cooming Soon
Oh geez. Does anyone not obsess on this stuff? I can’t help it
Zens last blog post..10 Ways To Simplify Your Life – Now!
I constantly find myself distracted by shiny bits of string and words that “just don’t sound right together”
Sometimes what might at first seem unimportant detail may eventually turn out to be vital if it’s part of a bigger goal. Watching the current olympics reminds me how years and years of effort in honing the finest detail can make the difference between a gold and silver medal. I suppose that’s the difference between important versus unimportant detail. I beat myself up regularly for worrying too much about detail but often, after the event, I’m pleased at having driven myself to a higher standard.