My friend, Cody Libolt, has been writing a series about leaders becoming writers, and a systematic approach for them to write regularly and incrementally. If you’re a blogger or writer, or simply desire to be a better communicator through writing, you should check it out here.
With that said, Cody challenges me to become a better writer. Being a better writer in today’s world is more than having something to say, delivering it succinctly, and using all the right punctuation and grammar. Better writers also know how to write with regularity to keep their audience tuned in and growing.
As much as I wish I were a better writer I know that I am not. Unfortunately I have always been a better dreamer than doer and most projects I begin go unfinished. That is why I approach this subject with much hesitancy and fear. I am reluctant to begin again doing something I have attempted to do before and failed.
Overcoming my reluctancy.
I have already answered the question of why am I afraid to begin writing again. It’s because I have dropped the ball before and left my readers hanging. Now I must answer the question of why I let that happen. When I first began writing I believed I had something to say and that there was an audience ready to read it. I also believed that I could change someone’s mind about a subject or teach them something they did not already know. Writing was a priority because it mattered to my audience and it mattered to me.
Understanding the problem.
And then I thought: it does not matter to them and it should not matter to me. Once I considered this notion it did not take long for me to be convinced that I was among the smallest of fish in the big blogging sea and I should leave it up to those who have something better to say. Those thoughts grew as I read more and better blogs from authors and speakers I most admire. They do it so much better than me so I figured that I should leave it to the professionals.
Finding a solution.
Once I applied the same principles and methods I use when investigating problems and troubleshooting failures at work I have been easily able to identify the problem and work toward finding a solution.
A solution cannot be identified until the problem is understood and attempts have been made to correct it. Only after overcoming the problem can a trial be labeled a solution. Until then all attempts are trials.
So this is my trial.
I have determined that the best way to overcome my problem of not writing is simply by writing again. Simple solution, right? I hope so. But I know this will be more challenging than it appears on paper. Time and priority are two hinderances to any project one might undertake. In addition, having something to say is also important. So I have decided how to conduct my first trial.
I will choose a subject, research what others have to say about it, gain insight, wisdom and knowledge, and begin writing. I will begin preparing for this journey I am about to take, and will set out with hope and determination. I hope you will join me.
Michael Waits 