Overcoming Quitters Day: Strategies for Memoir-Writing Success

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