Last week when I was faced with either putting time into writing, or analyzing some data I’d compiled to help me plan for 2017, my brain instantly wanted to do the analysis. I laughed at myself in the moment – I it was like a kid going after the bright shiny object. You see, analyzing is easy for me. I thrive on figuring out complex number problems. Writing, on the other hand, takes effort and concentration. I second guess myself: will what I’m writing make sense to the reader? Is it too detailed? Have I gotten lost in the weeds? Not so with analysis. That I know how to do.
This got me thinking about why people struggle with implementing change in their businesses. Even when someone believes something is important (writing the book is a VERY important goal for me, one which I am completely committed to), they often put off doing the work on it. As I looked at my own struggle I realized it had to do with my resistance to being a beginner. I find it frustrating and uncomfortable when I’m not sure exactly where or how to begin. At fifty-seven years old, it’s very challenging to be in this place of being a beginner. And as much as I want to be a better writer, I sometimes wonder if I have what it takes to really do it. Do I have the endurance, intelligence and capability to master these skills?
When I thought about it more, I realized that, being a beginner makes me feel as if I am not enough. I start second guessing and not trusting myself. Had I not stopped and noticed what I was doing, I would have rushed off to do the analysis, and the writing would have been put off another day. It’s not to say that when I sat down to write I knew how to make all those words captivating, nor was I certain that it was not too detailed. But I knew that if I simply kept avoiding it, I would never find out if I could write a book. I had to begin.
I’ve asked a lot of successful writers to suggest the best approach to getting a book done and they all say that I just need to write. Like learning to ride a bike, cook, or build something, the more I do it, the better I’ll get. The same is true for all of us.
So I invite you to stop putting off that thing you really want to do, and/or to try something new for a change. It doesn’t matter that you’re not an expert. Over time you will get better; but only if you put in the time. It’s okay to not know what you’re doing. It’s okay to be a beginner. And it’s even okay to fail. Trust me – I’ve written a lot of crap! I’m still a work in progress when it comes to writing, but I’ve decided that’s okay. After all, I’m still a beginner.
Make it an extraordinary day!
Warmest,
Vicki
Author of forthcoming book “The Simple Truths of Business” Your key to amazing success!
Hi, Vicki,
Thanks for the inspiration! My book has been put off for too long, as well.
Best wishes to you,
Shari Dunn