short assignments

Another writing tip from Anne Lamott's book Bird by Bird. is to give yourself short writing assignments. For example, it's pretty intimidating to sit down and say, "I'm going to write a book." However, it's fairly easy to decide you are going to write a page, a paragraph, or three words. Just get yourself started and the words will come. Usually.
Actually, this strategy works pretty well in every day life, as well. We are moving to a new apartment in a couple of weeks, and we have to pack up. I've been dreading packing all our rooms, but yesterday I decided to start with a book case. That's how I'm going to pack - one small project at a time. You can take Lamott's advice into your own life even if you don't write regularly. Just take it one small step at a time.