Modern Journalist Toolkit 25: Why freelance writers really procrastinate

I know a lot about procrastination. I spontaneously invented my own time management approach when I was in third grade. We’d get a homework assignment each week on Monday that was due on Friday. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, I’d think, “I don’t want to do that. I’d rather watch reruns or read Judy Blume.”

On Thursday, it was different. “Oh no! I’ve got to do this all tonight.” I’d kick into high gear and get it done.

The beauty of this system is it doesn’t just work for third grade homework. It’s applicable to high school and college homework, and way beyond. It turns out an awful lot of freelance writers have a similar system.

For a very long time I was sure I worked better under a deadline. When things would get down to the wire, that pressure would result in great things. (Well, okay, sometimes not.)

I no long think that’s what’s really going on and I’d like to tell you about it: