Over the years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about why writers struggle.

In fact, the whole point of this podcast and by extension, the Daily Writer Club, my membership group, is to help writers overcome the obstacles to writing. I want to help them, and help YOU, be more successful.

A big reason writers seem to struggle is that they perceive writing as a different type of job than it really is.

Many writers look at writing as a white-collar job. A white-collar job is typically done in an office. It focuses on ideas, numbers, systems, and content. You rarely get your hands dirty with manual labor.

A blue-collar job, on the other hand, is more hands-on and focuses on trades. Plumbing, construction, retail, and food service are good examples of blue-collar jobs.

Life gets a lot easier when you understand that professional writing is a blue-collar job.

You’re not out there getting your hands dirty or digging ditches. But you’re showing up on time, putting in the work, and getting the job done. 90% of your success as a writer is just showing up, putting the time in, and doing the work.

People used to look down on blue-collar work as it if was somehow less honorable than white-collar work. But all consistent and successful writers see themselves as people who just show up and do the work.

Today’s Challenge: Do you see yourself as a blue-collar or white-collar writer?