Writing

Writing is a skill just like any other. There are different ways to hone that skill and different ways to use the tool of writing. One of my clients is learning to write in a whole new way –  he’s learning to write purely for himself. Not for how it’ll be perceived, or what he’s supposed to write about, but really to get his own brain on paper. He likened it to a therapy session with himself. He sat down, asked himself what he needed to write about, and started writing. At first it felt like he was all over the place, but as he kept writing he got some real clarity.

That’s the magic. Writing sometimes doesn’t “feel” like it’s doing anything. You’re just getting jumbled thoughts on paper. Keep writing. What’s on your mind and occupying your thoughts? Or frustrating you? Or confusing you? Write about it, and keep writing. The magic of putting your brain on paper is that it unspools itself as you do so and clarity begins to emerge. Not every time, and not exactly when we want it to, but clarity will emerge. Trust the process and keep writing.

He’s fired up at this learning and pumped to keep writing and getting clarity. How about you? What do you need to write about? Who are you writing for? What’s the story you’re holding on to about why you can’t write or how it doesn’t work for you? At its core it’s a bullshit story, isn’t it? Start writing…