The Off Topic forum usually answers every other question in the universe. So I thought I'd give this one a shot.

In my daily work (software QA these days), I am frequently required to prepare certain kinds of documentation, and contribute to project planning. Why do I hate it so much and procrastinate about it? Typing this post is one of the ways I'm procrastinating, in fact.

I don't hate documentation in general. I don't hate writing or typing. I don't hate word processors or spreadsheets in general. For instance, when I file a bug report, I love filling in all the fiddly details of the bug repro steps. And in general, the act of documenting an existing system is enjoyable, if tedious.

But when I'm asked to write a test plan, or to prepare a set of tasks for the next sprint, or do any estimating, I freeze up. I can actually do the work without much real trouble, and I do fine at it when I get motivated. But the problem is getting past that initial hurdle. Why? What is my psychological barrier here? Anyone? Theories?