Good Writing Psychology SS124

Wednesday 24th October3.30pm TW1.U8

RepeatedFriday 9th November 3.00pm CLM G.02

Adam Sandelson LSE Student Counselling Service

Aims

To examine common difficulties in writing

Focus on psychological issues procrastination perfectionism

To identify management techniques and sources of advice

Introduction

What are the common difficulties involved in writing?

Common Difficulties

Feeling overwhelmed with material Adapting to a new style of learning Developing an independent critical

voice Procrastination Perfectionism

The context for study includes

Transition to different type of study

Coping with the academic cycle

Sustaining momentum

Pressures in all areas of my life - home, family, relationships, career, jobs…

How I feel about me

What is procrastination?

Excessive habit of putting off tasks We may disguise avoidance by being

busy We may find things to do that are

interesting or even useful, but don't contribute towards the main goal

It may involve feelings of anxiety, stress, guilt, shame and depression

Why do we procrastinate?

time management inability to prioritise overload of tasks feeling overwhelmed anxiety about the task fear of failing fear of success

Why do we procrastinate?

negative feelings - e.g. "I'm stupid",

all-or-nothing thinking boredom habit of avoiding difficult

things

Use personal timetabling to:

acknowledge what you have achieved save mental energy be realistic meet deadlines and keep up with work have effective study time and relaxation enjoy yourself without guilt and

worry

Looking behind the time issue

What kind of internal pressure do I put myself under when preparing a written assignment?

Are you a perfectionist?

Is whatever you do never quite good enough? Do you often put off handing in work, waiting to

get them just right? Do you feel you must give more than 100% on

everything, or else you’ll be mediocre or a failure?

Are you working toward success or trying to be perfect?

Perfectionism

Self-defeating thoughts and behaviours. Linked to high ideals, not realistic goals. Perfectionist attitudes can actually

interfere with success. It can deny you satisfaction and cause

you to achieve less than people with more realistic goals.

Causes of perfectionism

learn early in life you were mainly valued for your achievements

Value yourself based on approval from others

Feel vulnerable to criticism Decide to be perfect as a

defence

Vicious circle

Set an unreachable goal. Fail, as the goal was impossible to

achieve Constant pressure and failure

reduces effectiveness. Growing self criticism and blame,

exhaustion, anxiety and depression. At this point you may give up

completely on your original goal and set yourself another unrealistic goal, thinking "This time if only I try harder I will succeed".

Myth 1: I wouldn’t be the success I am if I weren't such a perfectionist

REALITY:

No evidence that perfectionists are more successful, more likely the reverse!

Success may be achieved despite compulsive striving.

Myth 2: Perfectionists get things done and they do things right.

REALITY:

Procrastination, missed deadlines, low productivity

Small tasks become overwhelming Agonizing over non-critical details.

Myth 3: Perfectionists are determined to overcome all obstacles to success

REALITY:

Can’t concentrate on the process of getting the task done.

Writer’s block Depression and anxiety.

Myth 4: Perfectionists just have this enormous desire to please others

REALITY:

Relationships become complicated

Achievers are willing to make mistakes and risk failure.

Imperfection is part of being human.

What can I do about it?

Realize that

Perfectionismis undesirable

Perfection is an illusion that is unattainable.

Strategies to move forward – I

Set realistic goals Set goals in sequence Experiment with standards for

success. Try for 80% or even 60%

Focus on the process of doing an activity not just the end result.

Evaluate success in terms of whether you enjoyed the task.

Strategies to move forward - II

Check your feelings: "Have I set up impossible expectations for

myself in this situation?" Face your fears:

"What am I afraid of? What is the worst thing that could happen?"

Allow mistakes Work with others, break up the inner

dialogue!

Writing is personal

What psychological and personal issues are evoked in me through the task of writing?

Dynamics of writing include:

Trying to please Wanting to be clever Wanting to achieve as highly

as others Historic patterns, such as last

minute success

Dynamics of writing

Pastrelationships

My relationship

with the Writing task

Currentrelationships

What can I do?

Look at my internal dynamics

Write down historic messages

Record a more realistic assessment of your ability and worth as a person

Writing Strategies - I Free yourself up

Bullet points, mind maps, scribble ideas Go for a walk; Talk out loud

Wait for a structure to arrive Give yourself time to work it out Learning and writing involve unconscious

processes Work with others, use study groups, etc.

Writing Strategies – II

Relaxation Regular time to switch off

(and process your task in the back of your mind)

Recall past achievements Imagine looking back at this task in

2 or 6 months time

The final stage of writing

Time to think Allow a structure to emerge Budget about an hour for each

sheet Aim for clarity, rather than being

stylish. Let go of putting an essay together

like a jigsaw Remember - is it a book or an

essay?

Conclusions

Look after yourself (diet, sleep)

Keep a supportive structure for your day to day life

Remember the end point – you will have written the essay that only you could have written at this time in your life.

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Sources of advice and help

Academic Adviser Departmental StaffDisability and Wellbeing Service Student Services

Centre TLC study skills advisors Learning World Student Union and Advice Centre Medical Centre

Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisors Deans

Don't wait until problems have grown impossibly largeIt’s OK to ask for help earlier

LSE Student Counselling Service – KSW.507

Free and confidential Mainly short term counselling Book appointments in advance See Website for

Stress management handouts Self help resources Relaxation MP3’s

Future WorkshopsInternational Students’ Workshop

Wednesday 31st October, 2:00pm – 3:00pm: KSW 1.04

Adjusting to Life at LSEWednesday 7th November, 12:00pm - 1:30pm: CON 2.05

Good Writing Psychology Friday 9th November, 3:00pm - 4:00pm: CLM G.02 (repeat session)

The Psychological Challenges Faced By MSc Students Friday 16th November, 1:00pm - 2:00pm: OLD 3.21

Groups

Stress Management Group (3 weeks) Thursday 11am – 1pm, starts 15 November 2012

Self Esteem Group (3 weeks) Monday 11am – 1pm, starts 19 November 2012

Bereavement Group (7 weeks) Thursday 2.30pm – 4pm, starts 24 January 2013

MSc group

PhD group

Places on all groups need to be booked in advance. Please see the website, Call Ext 3627, visit KSW.507 or email student.counselling@lse.ac.uk.

Career In:SightA series of seminars exploring the issues that you

might face when considering job options and life after LSE

Career Identity – 12 October 2012, 1-2pmHow to find the best career for youDiscovering your personal careers strategy to ensure long-term job fulfilment and remain confident with your career decisions.

Career Confidence – 22 October 2012, 1-2pmHow to combat interview nerves and combat anxietyPractical techniques to prepare effectively for interviews, make a good first impression and relieve interview nerves. Career Energy – 2 November 2012, 1-2pmHow to secure employment in a recessionA practical look at how to approach the job market in the current competitive market and standing out from the competition.

Career Awareness – 13 November 2012, 1-2pmWhat to expect when applying for jobs in BritainInternational student considering work in the UK? Understand correct etiquette for interviews, networking and starting a new job.

Brought to you by:

Book via LSE CareerHub: careers.lse.ac.uk

And finally …