Writing for a purpose is one of the hardest things anyone can do.
There’s a kind of terror that strikes when you try to put your own words on paper. There are millions of people who want to write a novel, or a dissertation, or a blog, but haven’t. It’s not the quality of their writing that is stopping them, the WRITING is stopping them. You can’t write something great if you can’t write at all.
Writing is the only way to actually get something written.
Let’s leave aside the idea of the ‘writing habit’. We’ve got lots of time to talk about that later. Today, we’re only talking about writing words that bring you closer to your goals.
We’re great at finding reasons not to write.
“I don’t have time.” Write one sentence. You have time for that.
“I haven’t done enough research.” Then write a paragraph detailing the exact facts you need to continue on. Now you’ve written, and you know what you need to look up.
“I’m not in the mood.” Action comes first. Nothing attracts a writing mood like the sound of a rattling keyboard.
“I don’t know what to write.” Write down your goals. Write down your ideas. Write down the things you refuse to write about. Writing creates the ideal breeding ground for ideas.
“My writing sucks.” There’s only one way to improve: write crap until you can write something better.
Writing is hard, and the only thing that makes it easier is to write.
Let’s get it done this week, friends. The only way forward is through.