Project anxiety/ writers block.

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by NorCal, Jan 20, 2011.

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  1. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    I have a project due this Saturday, a 5 to7 page paper on something in the emergency management field. My problem is that I have read the syllabus over and over, and its very vague, so I am not exactly sure what the instructor wants.

    So I've been procrastinating and concentrating on another paper I had to write for another class (Which I got back today, graded at 96%) but I'm having a freak out moment as I know even as I'm writing this, that I need to start working on this paper due in a few days but I keep putting it off.

    Every time I start the paper, I write a paragraph and immediately erase it as I'm second guessing the shite out of myself cause I'm so conflicted as to what the instructor wants. I emailed the instructed a few days ago in order to get some clarification, but he hasn't responded yet.

    Here is a copy of the instructions for this assignment:

    "Read Chapter 5 and then develop an ICS structure that includes the five functional areas of Incident Command. Identify the Command Staff, General Staff, and also add a few Branch positions. The task does not require a formal organizational chart. The incident should be one with at least 2 operational periods."

    This is the first course I've taken with this instructor and I don't want to leave a bad first impression. Usually I'm on top of it and I submit assignments way before their due because I jump on them right away. But now I'm afraid I'm waiting until the last moment and I'm afraid I might rush to get something done a submit a half a$$ed assignment. . .

    I'm in no way a straight "A" student but I do try my best. I just don't want to leave a bad first impression on a instructor I will be having many future classes with as I head into the final months before getting my degree.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 20, 2011
  2. wmdude

    wmdude New Member

    I get writer's block and procrastinate too. Such as right at this moment. Usually when I get like this, I'll take a break and then start to do my research, pick out some quotes and go from there. I've found it helps to just write whatever comes into my mind, about anything, and clear my head to help. Good luck, hope the instructor responds!
     
  3. wmdude

    wmdude New Member

    I do the same thing. Sometimes I'll just write down all the things I think of and clear my mind before I start to write. Sometimes I'll do my research and take out quotes I like and put them all together, and then start writing. Good luck, hopefully the instructor responds.
     
  4. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    This may seem really obvious but since you're having a freakout moment, have you read Chapter 5? In detail, I mean. The instructions sound (to me) like you will find a process to follow that will make this do-able.

    Phillip
     
  5. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I agree with wmdude. Often when you experience writer's block, you are over-thinking your writing. If you will write whatever comes to mind, you will find it less difficult to keep going. You might be telling yourself that what you are writing really sucks, but don't let that stop you; keep going. More often than not, you will go back to look at what you have written and find that it is much better than you thought. Also, it is not that difficult with a word processor to go back and edit what you have written when you are not happy with it. You might find that even editing less than perfect prose is much less time-consuming than being stuck on the same paragraph for hours.

    I hope those thoughts help you. I know they really help me.
     
  6. wmdude

    wmdude New Member

    I completely agree SurfDoctor. I've found it easier to edit my crappy writing then to have a blank page. A lot of times it even gives me an even better idea of what to write than I have.
     
  7. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    This is good advice and I'll even go one step further. It's better to sit down and write ANYTHING than it is to do nothing. Start like this,

    "I didn't want to get out of bed this morning and so I just pulled the covers over my head to block out the sun. I knew that I was avoiding my project but I'm so stuck that I just can't face it . . . " and then just keep going.

    If you just relax and let your thoughts spill onto the page you'll soon discover that you actually have some good thoughts on your project. Sometimes writing is like arthritis. It might hurt a little to start but if you just do a little bit it quickly becomes easier.
     
  8. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Arthritis? LOL I totally love that line! My writing is more like gas pains from eating too many beans!
     
  9. nanoose

    nanoose New Member

    Just "git 'er down" on the paper.
    I write from an outline, with some quotes inserted.
    But key is to just write.
    Don't worry about grammar or anything else.
    Just "git 'er down" then edit later.
    I find myself trying to edit as I go. Totally messes the writing up. I want it all to be perfect. Forget it!
    Just write.
     
  10. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    So I sat down today and I was able to crank out eleven pages in 3 hours. I finished the paper and submitted it to my friend for corrections. My buddy always seems to catch the items that I overlook, so tomorrow morning I will present my paper to the instructor and see if it floats. I am completely brain fried. Wish me luck . . .
     
  11. nanoose

    nanoose New Member

    Ya got 'er done!
    :)
     
  12. wmdude

    wmdude New Member

    Good Luck!
     

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