Colours dimmed — this page is set for lower stimulation.
Guidance for: I'm scared of doing it badly
Lower the bar on purpose
Start here
Write the worst possible version of the first sentence, line, or step. Deliberately bad. Nobody sees it.
Perfectionism and avoidance look identical from the outside — both produce nothing. If the standard is what's blocking you, the standard is the thing to change first.
Then, if you have room for it
- Name it draft zero. Nobody sees draft zero. It exists only so draft one has something to edit.
- Aim at a number. "200 bad words" is a target you can hit; "a good introduction" is a judgement you can fail.
- If it's fear of judgment, write the actual worst case in one sentence. It's almost always smaller on paper.
- Separate making from checking. Doing both at once is what stalls you.
Watch
- Why perfectionism isn't perfect, and how to overcome itHow to ADHD · 5 minOn the standard being the obstacle, and how to lower it deliberately.(opens in a new tab)
- How to fight your procrastination anxiety (and win)How to ADHD · 5 minAimed squarely at the anxious kind of avoidance rather than the bored kind.(opens in a new tab)
Read
- How to not procrastinate: task avoidance helpADDitudeOn naming the discomfort instead of waiting to feel ready.(opens in a new tab)
- What causes procrastination in ADHD brains?ADDitudeReaders and clinicians on decision fatigue, overwhelm and fear of failure.(opens in a new tab)
This page has its own web address. Bookmark it if it's one you'll come back to.