The hardest thing to do is to begin

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I always say in my research writing classes: The hardest thing to do is to begin. It’s not the writing part of the course that’s difficult. Surprisingly, the most difficult part of a research writing course is to begin!

I often use this illustration: In Physics, there are two kinds of friction: static friction and rolling friction. Now, friction is still important: without friction between the tires of a car and the road, the wheels will just keep on spinning without the car moving forward; as in a car stuck in mud.

 

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It is harder to overcome static friction then rolling friction. I often ask my student if they have ever experienced pushing a car or jeep when it stalls (“Naranasan n’yo na bang magtulak ng kotse o jeep na tumirik?”). (Surprisingly, there are girls who raised their hands!) Assuming that we are on level ground, it’s hard to move a car when it’s at rest—this is called static friction. But when the car has begun moving, it’s now easier to push—this is called rolling friction.

I also tell my classes: There is nothing scarier than a blank piece of paper.

Don’t believe me?

So after dinner, you set your mind into doing your research paper. It’s 8:00 pm. You’re in front of your computer, you have your reference books and notes all around you…you even do some finger push-ups. To get things rolling, you type the first word:

The

Eight hours later, at 4:00 am, you’re still at “The”.

The deadline of your paper: 7:00 am.

Now, you tell me that a blank piece of paper is not scary.

But once you begin, everything will fall into place naturally.

 Thank you for remembering, Elma.

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Add me on my “for students” account on Facebook (just search for “Guerrero Laoshi”) Or follow me on Twitter (@guru_guerrero) and use the topic #TipsOnResearchPlanningAndLove.