The Write Habit

The Psychology of Deadline Addiction—Why We Get Hooked and How to Break Free

Dr Nicole Janz

Do you only write when there’s a deadline looming? Do you procrastinate until the last minute, relying on pressure to get words on the page—only to feel exhausted afterward?

In this episode, I dive into the psychology of deadline addiction—why so many writers depend on external deadlines, how fear and perfectionism fuel this cycle, and what happens when we train ourselves to only write under stress. But here’s something most people don’t realise: learning to write without deadlines isn’t just about productivity—it’s about healing your relationship with writing.

You’ll learn:

  • How perfectionism and fear keep you trapped in last-minute writing.
  • The hidden cost of relying on adrenaline to finish projects.
  • The first mindset shifts and practical steps to rewiring your brain.

If you’ve ever thought, “I can only write when there’s a deadline”, this episode will help you understand why—and give you the tools to finally break free.

Missed Part 1?

This episode is part of a two-part series on deadline dependency. Listen to Episode 1: Why Deadlines Hold You Back—and How to Take Control to learn how to shift from deadline addiction to sustainable writing habits.


More resources for writers:

👉 Join the 7-Day Write Habit Booster (July 7-13, 2025) to kickstart your writing summer www.writehabitbooster.com

👉 Start your Book with this FREE mini course: www.startyourbookin5days.com

👉 Join the 90-Day Writing Accelerator (Sept 15 - Dec 15, 2025) - get on the waitlist and be the first to hear when enrolment opens: www.writehabitaccelerator.com