Getting Your Memoir Writing Resolution Back on Track
Why do so many people abandon their New Year's resolution to write their life story? In this episode, Barbara explores the science behind habit formation and how to apply it specifically to memoir writing. Drawing from behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's research on habit formation, we break down the key barriers that stop aspiring memoirists—and provide concrete solutions to overcome them.
Episode Highlights:
- Why the second Friday of January is known as "Quitter's Day"
- The "What the Hell Effect" and how it derails memoir writers
- Why rigid writing schedules often backfire
- How to use "temptation bundling" to make writing irresistible
- The right (and wrong) ways to use fresh starts in your writing practice
Key Concepts:
- Present bias in memoir writing
- Flexible vs. rigid routines
- Commitment devices for writers
- The mentorship effect
- Progress tracking systems
Resources:
How To Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be by Katy Milkman https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Science-Getting-Where/dp/059308375X
Memoir doctor Wendy Dale's interview on Writing for Immortality https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/writingforimmortality/episodes/Why-Your-Memoir-Isnt-Working-and-How-to-Fix-It-with-Wendy-Dale-e2t84u4
Chapters
00:00 New Year, New Goals: The Quitters Day Reality
02:30 Understanding Barriers to Memoir Writing
04:37 The 'What the Hell' Effect: Overcoming Setbacks
17:12 Flexibility in Writing Routines
20:49 Present Bias: Finding Immediate Rewards
25:30 Fresh Starts: Embracing New Beginnings
28:44 Maintaining Long-Term Motivation
Join the conversation: Share your memoir writing challenges and successes with us on social media using #Writing4Immortality #MemoirWriting #WritingHabits
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com