The Scientist’s Guide to Writing

The Scientist’s Guide to Writing by Stephen B. Heard

Getting Started

\[A \propto \frac{E \cdot V}{\Gamma \cdot D}\]

Let’s go through this formula step by step.

• The numerator (the top part of the fraction) shows that how attractive a task is increases when you have more confidence in completing it (E: Expectancy). If you believe you can successfully finish the task, you’re more likely to start.
• Attractiveness (A) also increases with the importance of the reward (V: Value). If the reward is meaningful, such as improving your career, you’re more motivated to do the task.
• Task attractiveness decreases at the denominator (the bottom part of the fraction) when future rewards are discounted (Γ: Discounting). This means that if you tend to value immediate rewards more than future ones, the task seems less appealing. People who are more impulsive have a higher Γ, meaning they care less about long-term benefits.
• Task attractiveness also decreases with D: Delay. The longer you have to wait for the reward, the less appealing the task becomes. This happens because future rewards feel less valuable than immediate ones due to discounting.

How to Use This in Writing

You can adjust E, V, Γ, and D to influence your motivation for writing tasks or any behavior in general.

• Increasing your expectancy (E) by improving confidence in your ability to complete a task
• Increasing the value (V) by making the reward more meaningful
• Reducing discounting (Γ) so that future benefits feel more significant
• Reducing delay (D) by making the reward feel closer in time

Momentum

Useful techniques to discipline yourself

• Writing Quotas – Setting a daily goal for either word count or time spent writing can help maintain discipline.
• Scheduling – Establishing a fixed writing schedule prevents distractions from pushing writing aside.
• Timing – Tackling difficult or less desirable writing tasks earlier in the day can be more effective.
• Environment – Reducing distractions in your workspace can improve writing efficiency.
• Commitment Devices – Structuring consequences around your writing habits can reinforce discipline.
• Binge and Snack Writing – While writing a lot at once can be effective, shorter, more frequent writing sessions are often more sustainable.

Fight behavior with behavior

• Lower your standards – Let go of perfectionism and write anything, even if it’s terrible, to break through the block.
• Divide and conquer – Break overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Write two versions of the passage you’re stuck on – Write different versions of the same passage to free yourself.
• Change your environment – Move to a different location with new sights, sounds, and smells.
• Talk it out – Speak your ideas aloud to a friend, yourself, or a recording device.
• Freewrite – Set a timer and write continuously without worrying about grammar or coherence.
• Skip ahead – Work on a different, easier section of your project, such as formatting or revising.
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