In every case, this method takes our eye off the intimidatingly huge long-term goal (writing a book) and focuses our minds on the more achievable one (writing the next few words). It helps calm our nerves by allowing for, as Pychyl describes, a ‘layer of self-deception’. Eventually you’ll still have to take the exam, get on the running machine, write the book. But you don’t have to worry about that now.
