Breaking A Bad Habit in My Writing...

I had to decide why I wanted to write, and what I had to say. And then, I have had to discipline myself to write.

Every day. Whether I feel like it or not. Especially when 'not' is rearing its ugly head.

Some days, I read the other blogs in my niche, and I think "Why post? ____ said it (whatever I wanted to say) so much better." It can be daunting to compare yourself to

other people who are already doing what you want to do.

One of the bad habits that I am breaking, is comparing myself to other people. The funny thing is, I can only be me. Not you, my best friend, or anyone that I am trying to emulate (in terms of success). That way lies madness.

Another thing that I am trying to do is not listen to the voices.

Yes. The voices.

You know the voices that I'm talking about. You hear them too. Don't deny this. I won't believe you.

The voices that say:

"You'll never be as good as they are."

"No one wants to hear what you have to say."

"You're crazy to even try."

And when I am tired, or feeling blocked, the voices get louder, and more insistent.

"Don't bother. It's a waste of time."

"It doesn't matter if you get it done or not... no one is reading your stuff anyway."

"One day off won't hurt."

You have to remember that you don't do this because your friends and relatives read your stuff. Remember that the people that you love and respect won't always 'get' what you do, they'll get busy with their own lives, won't return your phone calls sometimes, or aren't interested in that amazing insight that you had.

They may have been the catalyst, but you have to have the fuel for your own fire, or your work will suffer.

Everyone (including you) has a voice. Something that only you can say. That will reach someone who needs to hear what you have to say.

Will you say it?

Breaking A Bad Habit in My Writing...