Go From Strength to Strength: 5 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Dreams
Do you look longingly at a writing project yet hesitate to do it because you feel uncertain or maybe even a little afraid? Maybe you want to write a book or eBook or start a blog. Perhaps you want to write a story or your memories. Possibly you want to write a presentation or create a product. What writing project would you like to do, but you put it off?
On a recent hiking adventure, I discovered some principles that also apply to facing the challenge of a new writing project and achieving your writing dreams.
I gazed up wistfully at the red rocks in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO. The trail leading up to their heights tempted me. My sister Kathi, who is an avid hiker, affectionately known as the “mountain goat” of the family, had told me that the best views belong to those who dare to hike up into the mountains. I had done little hiking, and the altitude certainly affected my stamina. However, I decided the next day to add to my daily walk, a hike.
The next morning, I pulled into the parking lot near the Garden of the Gods tourist store and noted an adorable dog hanging out the window in the vehicle next to me. I struck up a conversation with the owner, a man half my age. As we chatted, I shared my dream of a hiking adventure. In parting, he looked at me and protectively said, “Pace yourself.”
I walked to the edge of the trail and contemplated the climb. The first part went straight up in a steady climb. As I ascended, my breathing grew heavier, and puffs of red dust covered my shoes. The climb definitely challenged me on this hot August day. I’d pause and glance back at the view of the Pikes Peak mountain range to motivate me to keep going. Finally, remembering the admonition to pace myself, I made my way to the shade of a tree and decided that was enough for the day. As stood there under the tree, the beautiful view of the mountains rewarded me.
The next day, my cousin gave me a ski pole to use as a walking stick. I headed out again and with the pole to stabilize me. I climbed further up into the rocks, pushing myself a little further. Once I climbed up onto the large red rocks, I savored the accomplishment and an even greater view of the mountain range.
On the third day, with the pole, I climbed way high into the rocks and saw a more stunning view. The contrast of the red rocks against the mountain range captivated me.
On the fourth day, I forgot the pole in the car and wondered how I would do. However, I need not have been concerned because I scampered up the trail to the high places. My gradual increase, day by day, built my stamina. Because of my hard work and efforts, I enjoyed the most magnificent views.
An analogy to starting a new writing project came to mind.
At first, your next writing project or learning how to write may seem a little scary or difficult. You will find yourself out of your comfort zone as you embrace an unfamiliar path. At the same time, you desire a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
Here are some principles I gleaned from my hike, that will help you move from wistfully desiring to write to a pleasurable sense of accomplishment.
5 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Dreams
*Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Be willing to take the risk and embrace the challenge. As I gazed up at the heights of the trail where I wanted to be, I had to decide to push out of my comfort zone.
*Take the first step. The first step is often the hardest. Once you start, you will find it easier to keep the momentum going. If I was going to enjoy the desired views, I had to start climbing.
*Keep your eye on the view you’ll see or the goal you’ll achieve. This will keep your motivation going. Pleasure motivates us. The pleasure of accomplishment comes to those willing to do the pain of the hard work. As the climb grew harder, the pleasure of the view I would see inspired me to keep going.
*Take action and practice. The more you take action, the better you get and the greater views you will see. Think of the Olympians. Through repeated practice, they win the gold. The more you take action and practice your writing, the better you will get. You will gain more confidence, especially if you are learning how to write better, implementing and refining your writing skills. You will go from strength to strength and level to level as I did in my hiking.
*Seek support. When I shared with my cousin about my hiking, he suggested the ski pole. Other writers can give you tips, which will help you make better progress. You can take an online writing course such as “How to Write for Fun and Profit” or go to a writing conference or join a writing or critique group.
Do these things and you will savor a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, you can enjoy the view each step of the way.
Go now and enjoy the gift of writing!
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8 Benefits of a Daily Writing Habit
I’m celebrating achieving my writing goals for another month of writing every single day as a result of participating in an online daily writing challenge for twenty months since January, 2014. I’ve discovered some benefits from dragging, pulling and pushing myself to meet this challenge.
Eight Benefits of a Daily Writing Habit
1. Stronger. As I force myself to overcome the emotional resistance and obstacles, my self-discipline is strengthened. I feel stronger.
2. Self-Discipline. The self-discipline of consistency enables and benefits me in other areas of my life.
3. Capture Moments. I capture beneficial insights, anecdotes, journal entries and stories that otherwise would be lost.
4. Book material. Consistent themes emerge that will eventually be three or four books so I’m making progress in writing my books.
5. Legacy. Stories are written to pass down a legacy to my children and grandchildren and creates potential material for articles, magazines etc.
6. Reflection. I get to process my day and gain insight from situations. We don’t get much time for reflection in our demanding and busy lives. Writing forces and gives time to mine the treasures of the day.
7. Better Writer. I’m growing as a writer. Practicing writing strategies in my daily writing refines my writing skills.
8. Satisfaction. My eyes are more open, my ears more attuned and my mind more alert to the gems in everyday life so I find more purpose and fulfillment in life.
Writing daily is not an easy habit to develop but it has a great deal of benefits and it’s worth it!
If you’d like to grow in your productivity and overcome some of your writing fears, come join this writing support group. Also, check out my book on Amazon kindle, “From Stuck to Success: Conquer Your Fears and Achieve Your Writing Dreams.”
If you would like to learn to write or learn to write better or write your story, check out my writing course,“How to Write for Fun and Profit.”
Discover the benefits of writing for yourself.
Go write now.
Enjoy the gift of writing!
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Writing a Responsibility? You’re Not Alone
Do you ever feel the weight of writing as a responsibility? If so, read on and you’ll find five tips to ease the load.
For me, being a writer is both a blessing and a burden.
A blessing because I see all the stories, life lessons and wisdom nuggets in everyday life. Like butterflies, they light on my shoulder and fascinate me with their beauty.
A burden because I have to write them down as soon as possible. Otherwise like butterflies, they quickly fly away and I forget them.
In our busy lives. with all the responsibilities of work and daily living, sometimes writing it all down is a challenge!
I have my daily writing plus writing the books I’m working on. For example, I did my daily w
riting in the morning yesterday. However, throughout the day I had a number of things happen that I wanted to write about as well. By the time I got home it was too late and I needed to go to bed. Before I went to bed, I scribbled down notes to remind me what to write.
Now I feel the burden of needing to write all that down today. Sometimes my writing feels like several crying babies who will not be satisfied until I sit down and feed them. This is what I mean by my writing is both a blessing and a burden. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the role I play as a writer and the call on my life to write.
How about you? Do you have thoughts, stories or books on your heart and mind that you feel a responsibility to share? Do you sometimes feel alone in bearing this responsibility? You’re not alone because this is common to writers. You can find ways to ease the burden so you can enjoy the blessings more.
Five Tips To Lighten the Load
- Be brief. Write down the nuggets, ideas or stories briefly. When you don’t have enough time to write, write down enough words to trigger your memory.
- Write soon. Write as soon as possible after you have the thought or idea. This way you can capture it while it’s fresh on your mind. If you have a phone with recording capabilities, you can record your thoughts to transcribe later.
- Prioritize writing. Move writing to the top of your list even if you have to let some other things go. Good activities can take away from your writing. Let some social media or email time, TV or other things go.
- Think Small. Look for small increments of time you can set aside to write even if it’s for 15 minutes. If you can’t get it all written, write what you can and look for other opportunities. Once you get started, you’ll want to came back to it.
- Allow imperfection. Let go of perfectionism. Don’t worry if your writing is rough. Simply get it written down. You can always refine it later.
Would you like to learn to write better? If so, I’d love to teach you and encourage you in your writing. Check out some of the ways I can serve you here and my writing course, “How to Write for Fun and Profit.” How do you assume your responsibility as a writer? What works for you? Share with us in the comments below.
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Achieve Your Writing Dreams By Creating Momemtum
Do you have a goal, dream or desire in your heart you want to pursue?
Yesterday in my daily writing challenge group, the writing prompt invited us to look back on our writing goals. They suggested we look at our progress and write about what we didn’t expect.
More than a year has gone by since I started the challenge to write daily. I’m in my second year of the writing discipline. I share because the principle applies to any dream you pursue. By sharing my experience, I hope it will encourage you to persist in pursuing your dreams.
One thing I didn’t expect is the momentum gained in the challenge to write daily. The longer I meet the writing goals, the more this drives me.
Many times when I’ve been tempted to quit, I cannot because of the momentum. I don’t know how to describe this phenomenon, but action produces action and keeps me going. I miss a day occasionally.
Still, I find it easier to go for it again because of the momentum. At times I want to give it up and quit the challenge, but I cannot. Part of it is because I find writing rewarding. I feel a sense of satisfaction after I’ve made my writing goal for the day.
Other benefits reward me.
I feel a sense of satisfaction of the insight that comes from writing and reflecting on life’s experiences.
Sometimes what I wrote, fits in with one of my stories I want to preserve for my legacy.
Writing daily improves my writing skills. Editing comes easier.
Momentum brings all these benefits.
Action after action creates the driving force and keeps the energy going.
More than a year has gone by since I started the challenge to write daily and now I’m in my second year of the writing discipline.
Discipline is difficult, but it brings rewards. The momentum created by the discipline is a pleasant surprise.
The secret is consistency. Consistency creates momentum. Momentum keeps you going.
The key to developing consistency is finding encouragement, support, and accountability.
For this reason, I created a writing group where you can find encouragement, support, and accountability by clicking here.
These three factors can help you develop a habit and keep you consistent.
Pursue your dreams with consistent action. Create momentum. You will experience the satisfaction of achieving your goals!
This proverb encourages me and I hope it will you as well in the pursuit of your dreams. “The desires of the diligent will be fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)
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“I Finally Found Time to Write” ~ 3 Writing Motivational Tips
“Sharon, I wanted to tell you that I’m finally finding time to write,” my friend, Sarah, stopped by my car in the park.
“Awesome!” I slammed the trunk lid down. My grandsons and I had a picnic in the park and enjoyed the beautiful sunny day. We had stopped by the car to put away the blanket and the rest of the food. My grandsons ran on to the playground.
My friend’s husband wheeled the double stroller on to take her two year old and baby to the playground and she continued, “I wanted you to know I’m listening to you and watching you. I saw you post on facebook that you had written every day for the month of August. I thought if you can do I can too.
I smiled because over the last year, I’ve encouraged her several times to write. She’s a gifted 
writer and I longed to see her write. I had urged her before, “When you don’t have a lot of time, look for those 15 minute segments of time.” I knew she was busy with her toddler and pregnancy and now her baby.
Sarah continued on, “You may not think we notice or listen but we are. I watch your posts on facebook saying you complete your monthly writing goals. You inspire me!
As you suggested, I’ve been looking for those 15 minutes in my day to write. I’m surprised at how much I can write in 15 minutes and sometimes that gets me going so I write more.
I fell off my goal of writing every day in September but I didn’t let that discourage me. I got up and started again.”
“Good for you! One of the keys to success is to get back up and go for it again.”
She smiled, “Yes it’s good and I start over trying for the whole month in October. I feel so much better when I write.”
“I feel the same way. Sometimes it’s hard to write every day but I always feel better when after I write.”
“Well, I need to go join my husband and kids but I wanted to thank you and let you know.”
“Thanks so much! I appreciate the encouragement.”
3 Writing Motivational Tips
- 1. Get started. Break your writing into bite-size pieces. Then it’s easier to take the time.
- 2. Get back up. When you fall off your goal, don’t quit.
- 3. Get back up and start over.
Go for the feeling. When you find it difficult to get started writing, reflect on the satisfaction and good feeling you’ll have afterward.
How about you? Would you like to set some writing goals or develop a regular writing habit? If so, come join our “Wise Writers Write NOW for support, encouragement and accountability.
If you want to write a book, stories or memories, learn how to write or learn how to write better, check out the “How to Write for Fun and Profit.”
For more encouragement, productivity tips and strategies to overcome your writing fears, check out the book, “From Stuck to Success: Conquer Your Fears and Achieve Your Writing Dreams” on Amazon.com.
Most of all, find time to write because the world needs to hear your unique voice and what you have to share.
Go Write NOW
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Writing Motivation ~ Do You Have This Key To Success In Your Writing?
Do you have challenges in meeting your writing goals? Even if writing is something you want to do, do you sometimes feel challenged to fulfill that desire?
Yesterday, I spent the day with my active grandsons on their last day before school started. Though they’re the joy of my life, we had some challenges that took all the energy I had.
When I arrived home, the last thing I wanted to do is to write. All I wanted to do is fall into bed.
However, I’ve committed to writing every day so rather than go to bed, I sat down at my computer to complete my writing goal for the day.
Additionally, I had some things come up and challenges getting this post written today. However, I managed to find some time and got it done!
What drove me? What key principle of success did I draw on?
When you don’t feel like writing what can you do to achieve your writing desires?
Discipline.
One of the definitions for discipline in Webster’s dictionary is self-control, “restraint over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.”
3 Writing Motivation Tips
- Rewards of discipline. Discipline is not comfortable but at least there is a reward. Lack of discipline may be easier but you will live with the bitter fruit of dissatisfaction.
- Choices have consequences. You’ll experience the consequences either way, one pleasant and one not. Your choice makes the difference.
- Keep the end in mind. When you’re not motivated to write, think of the end result of your choice. Do you want to be satisfied or dissatisfied?
You can find a lot more tips and insights in the book I wrote to encourage writers to pursue their writing dreams. “From Stuck to Success: Conquer Your Fears and Achieve Your Writing dreams.” You can find it on Amazon Kindle.
If you want to learn to write or write better, check out “How to write for Fun and Profit.“
In the meantime, I encourage you to experience the rewards of discipline in your writing. I feel satisfied now that I’ve met my writing goal and wrote this blog post.
How about you? What can you write today that will bring you satisfaction?
Go Write NOW!
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The World Needs to Hear Your Voice
“Save the whales! The whales are in trouble!”
I strolled along the beach in Oak Island, N.C. on my vacation and spotted a large circle with writing in the sand plus a large drawing of a whale. The sand message intrigued me so I stopped to read what she wrote about the whales.
A young girl (11 years old) came up beside me. I introduced myself and found out her name is Callie. I asked Callie about her writing and drawing. She explained the plight of the whales.
I got down a little closer to the sand to read what she wrote, “How interesting. What kind of response are you getting?”
“You’re the only one who has stopped or noticed.” She said her voice tinged with sadness. 
“Well, you wrote something and reached one person and if you reach one, who knows how many others may be affected. I’m going to write a blog post about this and so anyone who reads it will be educated. What would you like people to know about the whales?”
“That they’re intelligent. People think they’re stupid, but they re not. Whales know about natural disasters before they happen. The navy sonars are exceptionally strong and they mess up the whales mind. The sonar confuses them. When they get confused, they beach. The Navy people are not aware of it or they don’t think about the whales. People are the problem because they throw things in the ocean because they’re lazy or they do it accidentally, like balloons or plastic.
Maybe it doesn’t hurt the whales because they’re big enough, but it hurts other sea animals like the dolphins. If humans aren’t careful, some of the species of whales could become extinct and mess up the eco system.
The whales need help from us humans. Eight of the ten species migrate to this beach. Do you know what an Atoll is? I know more than most adults. I don’t like to brag but I’ve read more.”
I listened to her intently tell me all about the whales and then exhorted her.
“I encourage you to read and educate yourself all about the whales. Then learn how to write. Write about your passion for the whales. Be polite and considerate of those who don’t agree. Many will probably ignore you, but you never know, someone important might take notice. The world needs your voice to tell us about the whales.”
Now, her message reaches you and who knows how many others. We need to encourage others, regardless of how young or old. to find their message, write and express their voice. Who knows the difference this young girl will make for the whales and our world?
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Are You a Pond or River Writer?
Are you a river or a pond with your writing? Do you let what you have to say flow out of you or do you keep it gathering inside of you?
A river writer lets what they have to say flow out. A pond writer keeps it to themselves.
I have a confession to make. For many years I was a pond instead of a river. I gathered all this wonderful knowledge, wisdom and insight and would not get around to writing about it.
Fears and busyness held me back. Fears and questions bombarded my mind. Will other people be critical of my writing? Will I write it right or write it perfectly enough? What if no one even bothered to read it? How can I fit writing into my busy schedule? What will I have to give up to take time to write?
I gathered my stories and thoughts into the pond. The only problem is that it wasn’t flowing out of me to anyone who could benefit from it. When it gathered in the pond, the writing stagnated. I lost the freshness of the ideas and they became stale.
In the last few years, I’ve started pouring out more. Yet I’ve still held back out of fear of not writing perfectly.
Well, I’m making a decision as of now. I’m not going to let those fears stop me anymore. I’m going to start becoming more of a river writer instead of a pond writer.
I self edit my writing carefully and believe in doing all you can to write well. However, the flip side of that is perfectionism which can keep you from getting out a good message which can help others.
If I make writing mistakes, let me know and I’ll correct them but I’m not going to let fear of mistakes hinder me.
How about you? Are you going to jump in the river with me? Are you afraid? Here’s 5 strategies to overcome those fears.
5 Tips to Overcome Your Fears of River Writing
1. Begin now. Whatever level of skill you’re at in your writing, start there. Start giving to others with your writing.
Zina, one of my students from my writing course started a blog to encourage those with handicaps. At one point, Zina expressed concern that her writing wasn’t as polished as she would like. I wrote her, “Zina, you’re having a huge impact encouraging others at the skill level you’re at so keep writing!”
Last year, Zina had 12,000 views on her blog. What if she’d let her fears stop her? So many people would have missed out.
2. Understand the principle of increase. The more you use something the more it will increase. You understand this in exercising. The more you exercise, the stronger you get. You go from strength to strength. The same is true in writing, you go from skill level to skill level. The more you write, the more you learn about how to write, the more you’ll grow as a writer.
3. Let it flow. Sit down and simply start writing. Don’t worry about whether or not you do it right. Turn off the critical side of you and let it come out. Tap into your right brain instead of your left brain and go for it. You can correct it later but for now, let it go.
4. Grow little by little. Take time to add to your writing knowledge. If you want to learn how to write or write better, take the “How to Write for Fun and Profit” writing course.
If you’ve taken the course, pull it out and review it or read another book on writing. Implement writing tips and continue to learn how to write or improve your writing.
5. Take responsibility. You have a river inside of you but it’s your responsibility to let it flow out to others. Maybe you’re busy. Most people are. That’s where the 15 minute concept came to be. Don’t wait until you have a lot of time or another season of your life. Grab that pen and take advantage of the small increments of time you have now. Let the river flow, 15 minutes at a time.
People out there need to hear what you have to say. Even if it’s an audience of one, they need what you have to give.
So, jump in the river and let it flow. Instead of a pond writer, be a river writer. Refresh others and you’ll be refreshed.
Go write now.
Share the Gift of Writing!
How about you? What fears hold you back? How do you feel when you’re in a pond instead of a river? What is your experience? Share with us in the comments below.
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Could Your Words Change the World?
What if you could write something that would set millions of people free?
Thomas Jefferson did when he wrote the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. Never before in the history of mankind had anyone written these words. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Those words shaped the course of history and a nation. Because they were written down in a document, these words have guided and sustained our freedoms as Americans year after year. Because one man sat down and articulated our God given rights in writing, other countries have the courage to set their citizens free as well. Because of his courageous writing, you and I in the United States of America and all countries which protect freedom, have the freedom to write and share our thoughts.
As I reflect on this amazing expression of freedom in writing, these three words come to mind to guide us as we continue to stand for freedom.
- Responsibility. With freedom comes responsibility. Sometimes people think freedom means you can say or do whatever you think. The truth is, the only way to have freedom is to be responsible in how we treat people, our possessions, institutions, resources and all living things. Honor and respect are the keys to ongoing freedom.
- Protect. We have to protect our freedom. If we want to continue to enjoy freedom, such as our freedom of speech, we have to protect ourselves against those forces which would try to rob us of it. We need to draw on our courage daily to fight for freedom. Writing is a powerful way to do so.
- Expand. We need to exercise our freedom and reach others with truths that will set them free. It’s not enough for us to be free, we need to set others free as well.
As a writer, you hold in your hand an awesome responsibility. What are you going to do with it? Are you going to let other things distract you from sharing your gifts, talents and abilities with others through the gift of writing? Are you going to let life get in the way? Are you going to waste hours on social media, the internet or TV or are you going to take the responsibility that is yours to encourage, teach and help others with your writing?
Start where you are today at whatever level you are at in your writing. Continue to improve your writing skills. Read books and books on writing, go to a writer’s conferences or take an online course such as “How to Write for Fun and Profit” which will help you learn how to write or improve your writing skills. Make a commitment to continually grow in your writing skills.
You may write something as significant as the Declaration of Independence or you may write something that will significantly change one person’s life for the better. Focus on the big achievements but don’t forget the little ways, the daily things you can do with your writing to help people.
What can you write today to make the world a more loving place to live? When you’re busy, think in 15 minute increments of time. You can write more than you think in 15 minutes. Take time to set people free as well as enrich and enhance their lives with all you have to offer.
Go write now!
Has this blog post inspired you? If so, what action are you going to take? Share with us in the comments below.
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Writing Tips — Big Impact in a Few Minutes
What could you write today, to impact someone with your words? You may think you need to write a novel, a story or a book to make a difference in someone’s life. You are absolutely correct. Those are effective ways to influence others. Stories and books transform our lives and thinking.
However, think with me for a minute, what you could write now to impact somebody? Maybe it’s a blog post or an article. Maybe it’s simply a comment on somebody’s Facebook or a tweet. You could write a letter, email or thank you note.
Words have power. You can either destroy or build up others with your words. In addition to the longer things you want to write, I want to encourage you to think about small ways you can use your words to encourage other people and to spur them on in positive ways.
Recently, in an online class, the power of words struck me in a new way. Our coach came down with an illness and had to go the hospital. She had been recovering for a couple of weeks. When she stood for even five minutes, she become extremely dizzy. She was not able to teach class. However, she wrote these words in our membership area, “So, just because I’m down & out doesn’t mean YOU get to be! Share what you’ll do this week to advance your speaking. Or what you need help with. Go.”
Immediately, the power of her words stirred me to action. Even in her weakened state, she impacted me. Her comment motivated me to the next step in moving my goals forward. This brought a lesson home to me. You don’t have to have strength to impact other people. Sometimes you may feel inadequate or challenged in some way and you hesitate to write. Don’t let that stop you!
Regardless of the way you feel, you can impact other people in a positive way with your words. Words of encouragement can motivate someone to change, to have confidence in themselves or to move forward towards a goal. Words of affirmation can encourage someone to believe in their value and worth. Words of compassion can bring healing to someone who is going through a tough time.
What could you write today to encourage or influence someone in a positive way? Today a writer friend wrote me, “Go on and write . . . do what 
you were meant to do.” Those words spurred me to write this post and now I pass on this encouragement to you. You take it from here and keep it going. The power of your words and the ones we can generate together is simply astounding.
Set aside some time today, 5 to 15 minutes and use the power of your words change your little corner of the world for the better!
Did this post motivate you to write something? If so, let me know. Let’s encourage each other.
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