Writing is both easy and hard. It’s easy because all we need is a pen and a piece of paper to get going. It’s hard because we can stop ourselves before we start because of perceived fears. Which of the ones below is stopping you from writing?
- You are a perfectionist, so nothing will ever be good enough for others to see.
- You lack ideas and don’t know how to come up with any more. Is that actually true, or do you just have insufficient confidence in your ideas?
- You are overthinking the whole writing process and then freeze because of analysis paralysis. Stop the mental dissection. Just get going.
- You worry about what others think. The thought that someone might criticise what you have written holds you back. Unfortunately, this goes with the territory when you publish. Perhaps use a pen name.
- You doubt yourself. Why would anyone read what I have written? Most writers suffer from this imposter syndrome, so welcome to the club.
- You don’t have the time. Nobody has enough time to do everything. Those who succeed
- You aren’t committed. If that’s a problem, get an accountability buddy
- You are too impatient. Good things often take time to create. If you have a ‘get rich quick’ mentality, then either park up your writing ambitions or learn some patience.
- You aren’t sure that you will succeed. Success is never guaranteed. That’s what makes it more enjoyable when it happens.
- You are not qualified to write. Then either acquire more knowledge or just dive in and see where you get to. You can always fill in the blanks later.
- You always need to do more research to make your writing as good as it can be. Research is the backbone of non-fiction books, of course, but at some point, you have to call it a day. Recognise when it is just procrastination.
If you recognise these excuses, and that’s what they, keeping you from writing your book and need a kick up the backside to get started, then get in touch. My booted foot is ready.