If you have ever been hiking on a trail in the woods, you have seen the markers that show your distance and keep you headed in the right direction.

The purpose of those signs is to keep you from getting lost and guide you along the way.

There are similar signs in the writer’s life. These markers indicate your direction but are not always as obvious as trail markers.

One of those signs is your fear. What are you afraid to do?

Is it outlining that book?

Is it contacting that author who you want to interview?

Is it setting up your website or sending off some writing to beta readers?

Is it making the decision to call yourself a writer in the first place?

Your biggest writing-related fear is a huge indicator of the direction you should go. When it comes to creative work, your fear is usually a sign telling you what you should focus on.

Ralph Waldo Emerson put it simply. He said, “Always do what you are afraid to do.” Many writers do the exact opposite. They let fear push them away from the very thing they should be doing.

You don’t need to be afraid of fear. Fear can be your best friend, who gently guides you toward a creative calling that will bring you greater success and fulfillment.

Today’s Challenge: Think about the thing you are most afraid to do when it comes to your writing. What would it feel like if you took action and ran toward that fear in the next twenty-four hours?