I just started my 3rd novel.  It normally does not take me long to get started on a project but this time it did. What happened was that I started over-thinking it too much. Did I research enough? What kind of outline should I use? Can I ever find a highlighter that smells like lemon? After a while, I noticed I would put “start novel” on my “To Do” list everyday and the funny thing was it NEVER got done.

What I had to do was deal with my Inner Baby. When Inner Baby would give me excuses why I couldn’t start on my novel, I had to put that baby in time out.

Yes, Inner Baby threw a big fat tantrum but after he calmed down, I asked, “What do you need to get started on writing that book?”

Inner Baby said, “I don’t know.” (Inner Baby is a brat.)

I pressed further, “What if you DID know.”

The baby sighed taking his precious time since he knew he was in the power high chair, “I guess I just need a nice smelly candle. Oh, and some nice ambient music, you know the guy that writes the songs for Peanuts?”

“Vince Guaraldi?” I asked.

“Yeah, that guy. Inner Baby started to smack his gums. “Oh, and while you’re at it how about hooking me up with fancy water and a ton of gum.”

“Got it. Then we’re good to go, right?” I said.

“Not quite yet. Oooh! How about a few magazines and a margarita and some Gummy Bears?”

“Look Baby, you’re pushing your luck! Get that book started and then we’ll talk about all things gummy.”

Inner Baby grimaced. He wanted to stomp his foot but couldn’t since he was strapped to his bouncy chair. “Alright. Let’s do this,” he said while rolling his itty-bitty baby eyes.

Together me and my Inner Baby lit a candle, played Vince Guaraldi and cranked out ten pages in one day. Thanks a bunch, Inner Baby. You’re the poop!

What are you being a baby about and are putting off? What can you do to change it now?