Writing and Editing with Systems Framework
Another area where I see an interesting application of the Systems Framework is seeing the tasks that helps each system.
What is easier: writing article on a blank page or editing a written article?
What I found is editing a written article, even if it’s badly written, far easier than to write a new article on a blank page.
Why?
Well, for me, it’s easier to just pick apart the article. There’s something to work with. With a blank page, there’s a pressure - to write something so good that the article will withstand the editing process.
Sound familiar?
When applying the Systems Framework here - I believe editing an article is a System 1 task and writing a new article is a System 2 task.
Editing and System 1
When editing an article, it’s automatic - I just let what I feel come up and just suggest. It’s almost chaotic - yet, I relish in the editing process.
I just let System 1 take over and use it’s facilities. Most of the time, edits by System 1 are spot on.
When I take time to sit and think through the edits - activating System 2 - those parts of the article are usually not seen before, so I have to be conscious.
Writing and System 2
Conversely, when I have a blank page - there’s nothing for System 1 to analyze. I have to take a moment and use System 2, think! Evaluate what I am writing, decide the best path forward to the writing goal.
The more familiar the topic, the easier - or more likely, System 1 kicks in.
Less familiar topics require effort from System 2 - researching.
Pantser and Plotter
As I write this, I remember the pantser vs plotter writing styles. I believe there’s a connection here with that - where pantsers use System 1 more and plotters use System 2?
Remember
The next time you write - give yourself more time because I believe it’s a System 2 activity - that takes time and energy.
When you’re editing an article, be it your own or someone else’s - be nice. System 1 is kicking in and chopping things up so quickly that it feels like an insult to the writer.