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Welcome AWP People!
I had a blast tabling at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs meeting this past weekend. I met so many fantastic writers and writing teachers, and left very inspired. So many people dedicated to the written word, and to expression in prose and poetry. If you’re here after meeting me at the AWP welcome!…
Read MoreCool Science News: Paint-On Solar Cells for Any Surface
Imagine a world where any surface could be coated with solar cells, converting sunlight and even the glow of light bulbs into small amounts of usable energy. This is the goal of a new startup called Ubiquitous Energy, MIT Technology Review reports. – Link
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Cope with Success-Related Losses
I’ve become increasingly aware that: (a) success always involves some loss, compromise, disappointment, or sacrifice; and (b) that fear of that loss is a major barrier for many people. In the below excerpt from my forthcoming book How to Get Willpower for Weight Loss and Other Important Goals, I deal with this important topic. –…
Read MoreHarsh Parenting Linked to Depression, Unhappiness, and Other Problems in Kids and Adults
“A review of two decades worth of studies has shown that corporal punishment is associated with antisocial behavior and aggression in children, and later in life is linked to depression, unhappiness, anxiety, drug and alcohol use and psychological maladjustment. Beyond beating, parents can also hurt children by humiliating them, labeling them in harmful ways (“Why…
Read MoreStephen King and Anthony Trollope on the Importance of Approaching Your Work With the Proper (Non-Grandiose) Attitude
From The 7 Secrets of the Prolific: The prolific tend to see their writing not as some holy mission but their “work, “craft,” or even “job”: Stephen King: “Don’t wait for the muse…This isn’t the Ouija board or the spirit-world we’re talking about here, but just another job like laying pipe or driving long-haul trucks.…
Read MoreWelcome Tomorrow’s Professor People!
Glad you found your way here! There are plenty of free resources to help you. I’m very grateful to Dr. Reis for mentioning my book because I have a special admiration for graduate students and scholars in general. Your work is very important! The appendix to The 7 Secrets of the Prolific is devoted to…
Read MoreVideo: The Truth About Procrastination
The Truth About Procrastination featuring Hillary Rettig from Hillary Rettig on Vimeo.
Read MoreHe Gets It!
“We must act knowing that our work will be imperfect.” Barack Obama, 2d inaugural address, January 21, 2013
Read More“Procrastinating Surgeon Putting Off Coronary Bypass By Cleaning Entire Hospital”
The Onion gives us a sterling example of procrastination as a mimic of productive work: “NEW YORK—Sources at Columbia University Medical Center reported Sunday that cardiac surgeon Dr. Robert Klinge, 44, was putting off an impending coronary bypass procedure by cleaning the entire hospital. “I know that guy’s arteries are a mess, but so are…
Read MoreThis is Called “Situational Perfectionism”
Situational perfectionism is when something happens that causes your perfectionism to spike. Examples include: *You’ve invested in your writing or other dream – say, by taking a class or buying a piece of equipment – and think, “Now, I’d better make that pay off.” *You’ve just finished a workshop or class, and are feeling all,…
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