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.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.