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The Stress Doc announces a change in the operational procedure of column writing that initially evokes a classic approach-avoidance conflict: both a bruise to the ego and a balm for his egoal-driven nature and occasionally overextended schedule. But have no fear, a leaner and meaner column is here! ;-)

The Write Stuff

Have you ever tied to make a decision though, also, reluctant to do so? The surrounding angst is often a product of the sunk-costs phenomenon: you've sunk a lot of time, energy, esteem and/or money in a particular path or process and your ego (along with those old critical voices in your head) judges a course change - objectively stepping back, reviewing options, letting go, etc - as a FAILURE! So you waver and procrastinate, trying not to think about the impending clash of commitments, juggled projects, time, stamina and motivation. And then, something alights on your darkened and cloudy horizon. Now, if you are open-minded, despite some twinges of regret and remorse, the proverbial light in the tunnel catches your brainstrained faculties.

Well, I confess, very recently I faced a similar scenario. Just the other day, the Jokemeistr@aol.com asked me to shorten my essays for a pragmatic reason. The length of my pieces quadrupled the time for sending out Humor From the Edge - thirty minutes with just the jokes, two hours with my psychohumor tales. Of course, the ego immediately reacts: how can he stifle or circumscibe this talent? Some ideas need room to breathe, spread their wings, to unfold gracefully and playfully. Once my reflexive-defensive process began to lose steam, I considered the realities.

First, from sending out my own twice/monthly newsletter to well over a thousand folks, I know anything that streamlines the distribution process is genuinely welcome. (And Rick sends out HFTE to more than 14,000 readers three times/week.) Second, after IMing back and forth, Rick and I recognized options for longer pieces: a) spreading them over two or more HFTE editions and b) featuring them in my newsletter, Notes from the Online Psychohumorist (email stressdoc@aol.com for a free subscription), on my website - www.stressdoc.com - or on my page for AOL's Online Psych which also runs my HFTE essays (Keyword: Stress Doc).

Eventually, the most pressing reality intruded into consciousness. I had recently connected with a new, knowledgeable and savvy literary agent. He seems serious about putting together a book proposal that will be embraced by a publishing house. On my own, it's about half a dozen house rejections and counting. So with a newfound humility, I'm ready to take a bit more direction regarding the focus and structure of the book. I'll even attend sessions of Narcissists Anonymous. You know the motto: "For folks convinced they are more than just legends in their own minds!"

Hopefully, this modification in HFTE format will not dampen style and spirit. Perhaps I will follow the path of two Englishmen of letters. I believe it was Samuel Johnson who once apologized for his letter-writing verbosity this way: "Sorry, I did not have the time to write a short letter." (Or words to that effect.) And, as is always appropriate, we will allow Mr. Shakespeare the last words: "Brevity is the soul of wit."

So, Stress Doc, "Write On!" and, of course…Practice Safe Stress!

Mark Gorkin, "The Stress Doc," Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a nationally recognized speaker, workshop leader and author on stress, reorganizational change, anger, team building, creativity and humor. He is also the internet's and the nation's leading "Psychohumorist." The Stress Doc is a columnist for the popular cyber-newsletter, Humor From The Edge -- HUMOR FROM THE EDGE HOME PAGE . Mark is also the "Online Psychohumorist" for the major AOL mental health resource network, Online Psych -- ONLINE PSYCH: THE STRESS DOC and Financial Services Journal Online. And he is an offline writer for two mental health/substance abuse publications -- Treatment Today and Paradigm Magazine. His motto: Have Stress? Will Travel: A Smart Mouth for Hire! Reach "The Doc" at (202) 232-8662, email: Stress Doc@aol.com, or check out his "Hot Site" website: http://www.stressdoc.com or click STRESS DOC HOMEPAGE. (The site was selected as a USA Today Online "Hot Site" and designated a four-star, top- rated site by Mental Health Net.)

Also, for more info on the Stress Doc's Online Coaching program, email stressdoc@aol.com .