Procrastinating about writing? This is the for you. #academictwitter 1/n

I’m nearly 20 years into my career. As I’ve progressed through the academic ranks, I’ve learned a lot about perfectionism and the negative impact that it can have on academic productivity. 2/n

As a student and postdoc, I’d spend more time writing a single manuscript than my peers. I didn’t want to share a draft with my mentor and collaborators until it was perfect. There is one problem with this approach - nothing is ever perfect. 3/n

As I transitioned to the tenure track, I often put others’ needs ahead of my own. It always provided more positive feedback than writing. People love a helpful Co-I! The problem is that day after day, I found that I didn’t start focusing on my own work until late at night. 4/n

After all, if I don’t put myself out there that often, I can’t be criticized. I am certain that this was the core belief that led me to always put myself and my own work last. I allowed perfectionism to sidetrack my success. 5/n

Here’s what has helped me: 1) You’ll be presented with many opportunities as a trainee or junior faculty member. Some will be good for your career, many will not. First, you need to sort out where you should be focusing your time. A mentor can help with this. 6/n

2) Once you figure out what you should be doing, you’ll need to say no to the other opportunities. This is difficult. You will likely even need to say no to your mentor or chair at times. It’s okay; they’ll get over it. If they don’t, that’s fine too. 7/n

3) If you start your day by reading your email and responding to others’ priorities, your most important work will never get the appropriate attention. Put on your mask first before helping others. 8/n

4) So it’s morning, but you’re still not motivated to write. What now? Get a pomodoro timer. I use @FloraApp. There are many apps available. You can do anything for 25 minutes; I promise. It doesn’t have to perfect. You can revise it later. Just write something right now. 9/n

5) To ensure that you’re able to make it through your 25-minute period uninterrupted, turn off your email notifications and put your phone on do not disturb. Close your social media. Shut your door if you have one. 10/n

6) Once you have developed a habit of writing for at least 25 minutes a day, you’ll be amazed how quickly your manuscript begins to take shape. This will be rewarding and will make you more motivated. Read Atomic Habits by @JamesClear for more on this. 11/n

7) About grants - you know the secret to being well-funded? Submitting a lot of grant applications. You have to be in it to win it. Don’t sit on your ideas. No idea is ever perfect. 12/n

8) Put time limits on your use of social media. Social media is designed to keep your scrolling. For hours. For more on this, watch the Social Dilemma on Netflix. 13/n

These are the strategies that have helped me. I still struggle with perfectionism but by adjusting my priorities, learning to say no, and developing good habits, I’m a lot more productive and a lot happier.

You can learn to stop procrastinating about writing too. 14/n