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I'll set aside at least three hours every morning during the week to write my book. (The "master" experiment is at http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/experiments/show/143) I'll keep my ass in the chair, except for breaks, the whole time. I'll do no other unrelated activity, including email, chat, and the web. |
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I'll log how long I worked each day, and how many words I wrote. |
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I'll try it for a few weeks, then decide. |
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Seeing whether it helps kick the writing into gear. Satisfaction of getting getting the book written! |
Create an Experiment
Matthew Cornell
- Member Since
- 07/02/09
- About Lover of experimentation and leader of Think, Try, Learn, the scientific method for discovering happiness. Creator of Edison, the Think, Try, Learn experimenter's workbook. http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/ http://www.thinktrylearn.com/ http://www.matthewcornell.org/
- Web http://www.matthewcornell.org/
- Experiments 98
- Observations 1262
Comments & Observations
Matthew Cornell I've been doing this for one week, and the results are *excellent* - it really makes me produce! I'd love for three solid hours, but I'm apparently building up to that. One factor is having previously-scheduled AM appointments. Another is it takes a while to get up and out of the house. It helps to go to the coffee shop - no at-home distractions, but I'm learning to associate that place with writing and nothing else.
A major win so far is that I've broken through the 35 minute resistance point, which was easier than I expected. Before, I'd get to that point and let my discipline drop and stop writing. Now it's full speed ahead.
Stats: Average so far is 125 minutes/day, which I'd like to get up. Number of words: from 0 to 2,526. This goes up and down a lot as I cut and paste. As I know how much I really got done, I think "ass time" is the best indicator.
Aug 19, 2010
Matthew Cornell Caught myself being tempted to do some errands during a break at 1.5 hours. The rule is a short break (say 10 minutes) just for bodily functions :-) I pause the timer during breaks because they don't count as "seat time." I'm really liking this routine.
I wish the # words/day were higher, but sometimes I have to stop and think about concepts. Today was a good example: I'm having to firm up my definition of what an experiment is. For example, I argue that losing your job is an experiment, but is it more of a project? Kelli's experiment with different ways to interview is a very clear related experiment (http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/experiments/show/161). It's the source of my latest saying, "Writing wouldn't be so hard if I didn't have to think."
Rule: The only things I do before writing are: 1) physically get ready for the day (shower, breakfast, etc.), 2) parenting, 3) plan the day, and 4) do an email urgency scan.
Aug 20, 2010
Matthew Cornell Finished my new chapter one! See: Write the book "Think, Try, Learn: A scientific method for discovering happiness" - http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/experiments/show/143
Sep 01, 2010
Matthew Cornell o Yesterday I found myself being OK with editing less and being more wordy. This is an example of behavior being influenced by what's being measured. It's all about the word count!
o Yesterday I realized time was flying along nicely, and that is an indication that an experiment is on the right track. It feels good.
o I risk getting drawn into researching topics, which is fun, but not writing.
o I'm trying to trust that I can bring these pieces together when the time is right.
Sep 08, 2010
Matthew Cornell o How does outlining and sketching ideas play into the process? It's about putting words down, but sometimes I have to get clarity... Or maybe it's an excuse. Decision: No, it's a valid part of writing (one of the hard parts, in fact). For fun I'll count the words ~1/2. A picture is worth a thousand words?
o Getting distracted at the 1:15 point
o Decided to take time to chat with a friend. Topic was partly TTL, though!
o Had to take a nap, decided to go home.
o I like getting an early start. Having to get my daughter ready for the school bus that arrives at 8a is a good excuse. Also, leaves slop time if I take breaks - can still go to 12n.
o I was getting caught up while creating a diagram for the Try phase. Then I remembered - It's a prototype, and I don't have to get it perfect! Relief, more creativity, bolder. Great stuff.
Sep 08, 2010
Matthew Cornell I'm marking this done as a complete success. I'm integrating it permanently into my life until the book is written. Rating: *****
Sep 09, 2010
Matthew Cornell Naturally a barrier to doing this is distractions like following an idea down the (web) rabbit hole, chatting with people, and dreaded email. Discipline!
Sep 15, 2010
Matthew Cornell [Ralf commented: Do you know the Pomodoro Technique (http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/)? If not: try it out. It can help you focus on tasks or allow for some "cooperative multitasking" if several things need to be moved forward.]
Fredrik mentions it here, too: Only do things I have planned - http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/experiments/show/170
Oct 06, 2010
Matthew Cornell OK, the coffee shop environment/habit works very well for writing, but it's too expensive! Figure I buy 2 teas ($2.50 ea) and a cookie ($2) = ~$7/day * 4 days average/wk * 4.3 weeks/mo = ~$120/month. Wow! So my next action is to find a place that's free, where I can bring my own tea bag and cup and snack, and that has wireless. Fortunately, the latter is available in my town's little downtown. Current candidates: Public library (no kitchenette though) and the community center.
Oct 10, 2010
Matthew Cornell I continue to do this, and it's very helpful. ***** stars.
Dec 26, 2010
Rainman03 Good luck.
Dec 26, 2010
Matthew Cornell I've been taking a break from writing to put focus on getting the next two major Edison features ready for design. Now that that's done (and with my designer) I can start up writing again. I'll go to the coffee shop in the mornings when the library isn't open. I must say, writing the book is the hardest part of the whole Think, Try, Learn master plan.
Jan 02, 2011