To Think Is Not To Believe:
Let Yourself Be the
Writer You Are
By Aaron Nielsenshultz
A complaint we often hear from clients goes like this: "I'm not a good writer, so…" where the ellipses goes on to explain why, therefore, the person has difficulty with the writing task at hand. But if you've never learned to play the piano, would you say, "I'm not a good piano player, so…"? Of course not—you'd say, "I don't know how to play the piano."
The difference, of course, is that most of us have spent at least some time writing. Whether we've learned to do it or not, we've certainly learned how to make writing work for us. Even if you've done a lot of writing, it doesn't mean that you've spent a lot of time learning how to write.
Perhaps you've heard the saying, "Don't believe everything you think." It's a great phrase for all kinds of reasons, but it applies especially well to writing. You may think you're not a good writer, or you may not think of yourself as a writer at all, but that doesn't mean you have to believe it—and it certainly doesn't mean you have to accept it!
You can disprove your I'm–not–a–writer–itis by looking at the amount of writing you DO. Most of us email everyday; we write notes, we write responses, we write blogs. Heck, if nothing else, we write shopping lists or things–to–do lists. I'd bet that you commit many writing acts throughout the day.
There is, of course, always a way for everyone to improve their writing, but the fact that we write all the time and get results from what we write ought to stop what you think about your writing from becoming what you believe about your writing.
And there's another side to this argument that we hear quite often, too. Many of our clients speak of their perfectionism and how it often gets in the way of their writing. Communicating clearly what you want while maintaining a voice that authentically represents you…these are tough tasks! It's easy to get bogged down in them—or to get so daunted by them that you simply never start writing.
So what to do about it? How can you get away from these thinking and believing traps?
Remember that writing is not a solitary activity
That's right. Since most of the writing we produce as coaches, consultants, and online entrepreneurs goes out to other people, get other people involved in your writing. Find colleagues to work with who will give you good feedback—and give yourself permission to trust what they say!
Write
Whether you worry that your writing isn't good enough or that it's not perfect enough, approach each writing act for what it is—and do it. The first step in being a writer requires you to perform the writing act.
Drafting is your friend
Writing isn't permanent. Just because you typed it or wrote it, it doesn't mean that that's the way it has to stay. Remember to revise and rewrite—but, you perfectionists, remember to let go, too.
Take the time to enjoy the writing you do
Any time you find yourself with a writing tool in your hands or under your fingers, enjoy the experience. Get used to the way it feels, and especially note what's happening when you feel really good about what you're writing.
Don't believe that negative voice
Remember—just because you thought it, that doesn't make it true. When those self–doubting thoughts come into your head, remind yourself of all the writing you do, and don't talk yourself out of your confidence!
© 2007 Red Pepper Writing. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Yara and Aaron Nielsenshultz, the Writing "Peppers" and founders of Red Pepper Writing, teach ambitious Coaches, Consultants, and other Solopreneurs how to use powerful writing to get more clients and make more money. For FREE weekly writing tips, visit http://www.redpepperwriting.com.
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