good writing psychology ss124 wednesday 24 th october 3.30pm tw1.u8 repeated friday 9 th november...
TRANSCRIPT
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 [email protected].
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 …