My Top Tip for Writers (and Everyone Else)
Meme from Writing About Writing on Facebook
In the brief time that I’ve been a writer, I’ve come to meet many wonderful and talented individuals. Not all of them are writers: some of them are artists, programmers, musicians, or even a miraculous mix of multiple disciplines manage to be more than just one of those. Some follow such passions as ordinary hobbies, while others commit their whole lives to their pursuit. Being able to not only know them, but call them my friends, has been an incredible blessing.
That being said, in the time that I have known them all, I’ve noticed something particularly irritating. It’s not some consistent grammatical error or organizational pitfall—Lord knows I am especially susceptible to those—but rather, it’s something that eats at the very foundation of one’s gift for creativity: having ideas and never acting on them.
The number of times someone has shared with me a wonderful idea, be it for a story, a song, etc. and then sat on their hands until it was barely a memory much fell out of memory is by far the most tormenting of all my pet peeves; it’s like watching a baker with the recipe and ingredients for a culinary masterpiece, and then never going so far as to even crack an egg.
So allow me to share my my single most essential tip for writers and anyone else with an ounce of passion:
If you’re a writer, write. If you’re an artist, draw. Whatever your trade, make good on your gifts and don’t let your ideas go to waste.
Maybe you’re busy with responsibilities or emergencies. Maybe you’re nervous about your talents or embarrassed by your previous work. Maybe it’s a matter of motivation, and while you enjoyed the idea phase, you’re not feeling up to making it. I understand, and I’d dare to say that I’ve been there myself, but still, I ask you, BEG you: if you truly care about your craft, push yourself.
In light of a constricting schedule or calendar, try to set some time aside. You could devote a couple minutes a day or maybe even one or two days a week and then go from there. The important part is to set a rhythm for yourself and maintain it. Slowly, but surely, it’ll feel more and more like an organic part of your routine. Still, as I mentioned in my blog about gratitude journaling, the first time you miss makes it dangerously easier to keep missing until you’re eventually right back where you started.
If you’re dealing with feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, don’t let them get in your way. Weakness and insecurity will always be a part of the human experience and should obviously not be ignored, but understand that improving yourself will only come through application. Even as you learn from academics, professionals, and personal experiences, it’s how you apply that knowledge that will ultimately lead to success. Never give up and you’ll always be improving.
Motivation feels like the toughest struggle to address because it’s ultimately a case-by-case situation. You could be doing your thing for money, your audience, or the simple joy of the creative process; however, you are the only one who can think about and determine whether or not it’s important enough to spend time and effort on. In my experience, though, the best help in this department comes from keeping in touch with those who share similar passions or would just be happy to be a part of what you are doing.
Following your passions requires a lot of hard work beyond just thinking about it, but it will always be better to try and fail than to not try at all. Even in the worst-case scenario, you will always have the experience for next time and, in the worst-worst-case scenario, you can at least walk away knowing that you gave it your best shot.
2022 has officially started, and the start of a new year offers a rare chance to discard the setbacks and anxieties of yesteryear and use the blank slate before you to take on new opportunities. If there’s something you’ve been meaning to do, this is your moment! It’s time to show what you can do!