Writing & Procrastination: Escaping the Trap

Normally I love writing. That is, when it's about something I love. Then I usually have plenty to say and can't wait to put fingers to keyboard.

But just between you and I, I really don't like writing copy that is designed to sell. And I hate writing press releases! It's funny when you think about it, because I love telling people what to do, especially family members. But when it comes to trying to get a reader to do something, I get icky feelings and the word 'manipulation' comes creeping into my psyche.

So yesterday when my dear associate Denise Wakeman reminded me that it was time to do our monthly PR web release on Conversations with Experts, I cringed. I started to procrastinate. Then it hit me. If I procrastinated one more hour on this task, it really would be too late to get it out to the media tomorrow. And I'd feel even worse.

Of course, one of the reasons I work with a partner, is that it's easier for me to complete tasks for someone else. If it were for myself alone, I'd find excuses and skip the darn thing. But, I couldn't let her down.

Funny thing is that once I decided to start writing it, with much grumbling and whining, it took me all of 1/2 hour or so. And you know, that just wouldn't have been worth putting it off.

I'm lazy and stubborn. So how did I get it done? I plagarized myself. I just went to the last PR release I did on a similar topic, and changed all the details.

So if you're confronted with similar issues when you sit down to write your newsletter or blog, try plagarizing yourself. Take an old issue, old copy, and just change the key words. You may end up writing something entirely different, or just slightly different. Chances are your readers won't remember, and you'll put a fresh spin on it.

Go ahead and copy yourself. I'm sure you've got some excellent articles that could be spun off a little differently.

Hope this helps!