Positive Barbara...

Get answers to your questions and a positive spin on your problems.  Write to Positive Barbara at positivebarbara@rachelwagner.com

Dear Barbara,

I have a problem that I think only you can help me with. I am working on some pretty big projects and find that it is hard to get motivated. I every time I sit down I just want to get up and go get a cup of coffee or just play with my new puppy or I just find something else that doesn't matter just to not do the work that needs to get done. Please help me.

Sincerely,
Befuddled in Bogotá

Dear Befuddled,

The word procrastination has been given a very bad wrap.  Who's to say its a bad thing at all?  After all, procrastination doesn't mean its not getting done at all, just getting done a little later.  In fact, by the time this letter is printed your projects are already done and no longer troubling you.  There's even a parable in the Bible about the servants who show up to work the fields later in the day and get the same wages as those who have been there the whole day.  Procrastination is really about wisdom and efficiency, same wages for less work and less time, sign me up!  And when in doubt never forget the procrastinator's motto... "if you wait till the last minute, it only takes a minute!"

Sincerely

Positive Barbara

Dear Positive Barbara,

Here's my problem, I hope you can help.  I am a writer with writer's block. I used to be quite prolific but no more. It's not that I can't start anything, I just can't seem to finish anything...half finished, writing projects are very discouraging.  I'm starting to wonder if I will ever create with my pen again!  What should I do?

Sincerely,

Half-baked

Dear Half-Baked,

First you must stop everything and thank God you are not an apathetic uncreative blob!  I mean, you can feel, by God!  And never forget that moments like these are the necessary payment for those ethereal moments of creative burning genius which let you touch the divine!  Am I right in assuming this a normal part of your creative cycle?  A cycle that you've been through before?  A cycle that will eventually right itself?  Hmmm?  So trust the Muse (capital M) and do something else.  Think about your projects one at a time and listen.  The Muse will speak again and then you will have a flurry of finishings just as you have had your flurry of beginnings.  E B Browning said, "Get leave to work-, In this world 'tis the best you get at all, For God in cursing gives us better gifts, Than men in benediction."   'Tis a sweet curse to bring life through art and that is the altar at which you find yourself acolyte.  And there's plenty positive to be found in that! :)

Positive Barbara