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| Do You Want to Write |
Do You Want To Write, but Need Motivation? I'm asking you: "When was the last time you told that story about your family vacation to Spain when your cousin went swimming with a jellyfish and had to dry out in a dark room for the next three days?" Oh, wait: That was ME. I always wanted to write but didn't know how to get the ball rolling. Today I'm going to share with you six steps that helped me not only to start writing—but also finish.
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Step 1: Figure out what's holding you back.
Let's get philosophical for a minute. It's not the jellyfish that stings you; it's the stinger on its tail that does the damage. So it isn't writing itself that scares you—but perhaps the thought of being judged by others. Facing our fears is a big step towards overcoming them, and this first exercise is about identifying your most significant barriers to writing.
Step 2: Correspond With Your Worst Fears.
Once you've figured out what's holding you back, I want you to write your worst fear. Just take five minutes and address all those worries weighing down on your shoulders like an albatross made of lead. Is it the fear of failing? Perhaps it's the fear of being ridiculed by your family and friends? Or maybe it's just that old-fashioned worry about wasting your time?
I find this a beneficial exercise because writing always helps me clarify my thoughts and emotions, and when I read back over what I've written, I can see how irrational some of my fears are—and that puts them in perspective.
Step 3: Write About Your Fears.
The third step is the best way I know how to get unstuck. As a writer, you must be able to put words on paper and express yourself through them. You must learn to sit down and write and write even when it feels like pulling teeth (without Novocain). The more you write, the better you'll get at it. And if your goal is to become a writer (or be a better one), then you have to make writing a habit—a regular
Step 4: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Once you've written about your fears, reflect on them and see how they affect your life. If it helped get them out in the open, apply this process to the things holding you back from writing. What are the things that make you feel like you can't write?
Put them on paper and let yourself experience the emotions you feel. Then ask yourself whether what you wrote is true or not. Is it true that you're a terrible writer? Sometimes we get caught up in negative thoughts, and it's hard to recognize them for what they are.
Writing about these fears and then reflecting on their truthfulness can help you take control over them instead of letting them control you.
Step 5: Set Small, Realistic Goals.
It's time to look at your story and set small, realistic goals. Having this kind of structure will help you to stay on track. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. When creating them, make sure they are incremental. E.g., For today, I am going to write the first five pages of my novel. Small total goals will help you keep moving forward without getting overwhelmed with the whole process.
Step 6: Keep on Writing
Now it's time for the most crucial part: Keep on writing! I know it seems simple, but that's not always the case when we are constantly bombarded with distractions from social media messaging, email alerts, and text messages from our friends and family asking how we're doing during these difficult times. Keep in mind that structure plays a significant role in helping you to get started and keep writing for more extended periods.
You are now ready to start writing your book or screenplay. It doesn't matter if it's a fiction or nonfiction project—you have everything you need! Remember: You don't have to be perfect, but you have to start somewhere! Start by setting small goals—and stick to them!
Final Thought
I know this system works, and it's helped me not only to write more but also to enjoy it more. I hope you find these steps enlightening and helpful. Writing is a gift—yes, it can be difficult at times, but I highly recommend that you try it out. Notice the feelings that come up for you as you step out of your comfort zone; that's life in the "fast lane"!
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