First entry for 2012: 1-2-7-14

As I head into 2012, I have realized that I need to focus as much as I can on all things related to screenwriting. I’ve managed to get reasonably far with minimal structure, relying only on self-discipline. But I have found that even with self-discipline, I face a constant battle with procrastination. It seems like the two can’t exist together, but with me they do. It’s more like a tidal wave. The procrastination builds until it crests, then the self-disciplined part of me “crashes down on the beach” and I do what needs to be done. It’s often frenzied and intense, which is good at times, but I really want to try and get away from that. It’s easier to try and build something big a little piece at a time instead of over a short period.

So this year it seems like a good year to try to eliminate the procrastination. So to solve that problem, I am going back to school… well, sort of. I plan on adopting the 1-2-7-14 plan outlined by Scott Myers over at Go Into The Story. Scott shares his wealth of knowledge and offers unwavering support to screenwriters, and I find his website a constant source of inspiration. The 1-2-7-14 plan goes like this:

So my plan is to set this up like I’m going to school, and those four activities are my “classes”. I’m going to have to be there on time and put in the work. I’m going to produce a spreadsheet showing my “classes”, and I’m going to have to fit my day job around that. I have to be accountable or it’s not going to work.