july 7 --- HOW TO WRITE LIKE YOU’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME Step 1: Why do you write like you’re running out of time? Set the scene. Seeing as you’re not actually running out of time, you need to imagine what it would be like if you were! Are you studying law in the 1700s, writing 51 Federalist Papers? Are you trying to cram in those final 100 words in thirty seconds to get the daily done on time? Or are you like me, scribbling biology notes on random lined paper the night before an exam? (note to self: don’t do that next year) Step 2: Assume you’re the smartest in the room. The trick to getting into the right mindset to reach your goals is to imagine you’re going to accomplish them no matter what. You need to set your sights on achieving those 100 words, that support of the Constitution, the completion of those notes… think about how great it will feel being done. Visualize crossing the finish line and putting down your pen (although you still, actually, aren’t on a deadline). Step 3: No one will read it -- I disagree. This one can be easier said than done, but don’t let anyone get between you and your pen. People will claim it cannot be done. They will tell you you’re making a mistake, but you must ignore their uneducated ganders at your ego! You may doubt yourself, but do not fall prey. You will write! And you will write as though you are running out of time! Step 4: Okay, one more thing -- If you find yourself running on fumes, you may need a moment to recover. This is natural, but do not take too long! You’re on an imaginary deadline! Just think of one more thing to write about, and go from there. One word, one sentence, one paragraph after another. Just keep writing. Step 5: For once in your life, take a stand with pride! You’ve accomplished your goals! Congratulations, you’ve written as though you were writing out of time. Dang, you’re really non-stop.
