I find that I naturally do a lot of the habits listed, especially the first one, “Use exploratory writing and talking to discover and clarify ideas.” I think a lot throughout the day about the issues that I am writing about, and, subsequently, I talk a lot about the issues as well. I like feeling like I understand the topic from more than one point of view. I have also found that the opinions of others are often based on other sources (quotes, studies, etc) that have influenced their decision, and can thereby expand my view of the subject.
One area that I have not yet made a habit is the “For early drafts, reduce your expectations.” I usually try to make my paper as perfect as possible, even on the first try. I know what I want to be able to say, but I don't usually just let the idea come out; I try to make my thoughts completely coherent to everyone who will read the paper, even when I have not yet been able to get them on the paper in a way that I understand it yet. This sometimes causes me to, as the book states, “get blocked.” I, sort of, give up on something because I can't quite figure out how to explain it on the first try.
Improving on the habit of “For early drafts, reduce your expectations” will help me to get my ideas out before I try to perfect the way that they are written. In this way, I can work on explaining what I am actually thinking instead of just avoiding the subject, as I have done sometimes, because I can't figure out how to explain myself.
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