There are a lot of reasons people give for avoiding the hard work of writing. One of the most common ones is a lack of time. Others include not knowing what to write about, or confusion about processes like blogging or publishing.
Another reason exists that is worse than all the others combined. It also has the distinction of being the most profoundly sad reason many people don’t write.
The author of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling said, this:
“You need courage. Fear of failure is the saddest reason on earth not to do what you were meant to do. I finally found the courage to start submitting my first book to agents and publishers at a time when I felt a conspicuous failure. Only then did I decide that I was going to try this one thing that always suspected I could do, and, if it didn’t work out, well, I’d faced worse and survived. Ultimately, wouldn’t you rather be the person who actually finished the project you’re dreaming about, rather than the one who talks about ‘always having wanted to?’”
There are a lot of writers who fit into this category. I call them “someday” writers. They always talk about how they are going to start that blog or write that book “someday.” But without a clear sense of direction and a firm commitment to doing it, “someday” gets pushed further and further into the distance.
Instead, commit to being a “today” writer. You are going to take action TODAY. Even if it’s just writing a hundred words. Every little step forward gets you closer to your dream. Don’t be one of those sad “someday” writers, who uses fear as an excuse for doing the work and putting yourself out there.
Even if things don’t work out like you hoped, you’ll know for sure and you will learn lessons you can apply to the next project. But more than likely, beautiful and wonderful things will happen that you could have never imagined. Why? Because that’s what happens when you look fear in the eye and start writing anyway.
Daily Question: Are you letting fear hold you back from writing? If so, what are you so afraid of?