New Writers: Unlock Your Potential by Committing to Your Craft
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Chapter 1: The Power of Consistency
For aspiring writers seeking to achieve their goals, the secret lies in a simple yet powerful concept: showing up consistently.
The most effective approach to mastering any skill is to comprehend its intricacies and engage in deliberate practice. Research shows that repetition is key to improvement, but this requires a conscious decision to enhance one's abilities. The same principle applies to writing.
It's essential to establish a regular writing routine. Yes, it may sound cliché—many have heard this advice countless times. You might be thinking, "I’m dedicated and consistent, yet where are the views and financial rewards?"
The goal isn't merely to write the same uninspired stories that fail to resonate with readers. As mentioned, one must actively choose to grow and learn. The act of showing up is critical because it’s those who are present that often stumble upon opportunities. Make it a point not to skip any days.
Jordan Peterson offers valuable insight into creative endeavors:
> "Your default position, if you are a creative person, is you're going to fail because it's hard to come up with something new. It's hard to present it to the market at the right time. So, what successful entrepreneurs do is they just keep doing it over-and-over-and-over-and-over-and-over. And eventually, if they are fortunate, one of their ideas happens to hit the right place at the right time."
Persistence is crucial. This means continuing to work with enthusiasm and developing a belief that your efforts will eventually make a significant impact. It’s about being resolute in your pursuit of success, regardless of the setbacks you encounter.
Many writers chase the elusive concept of virality, thinking, "If I craft the right headline, it will surely go viral." Unfortunately, this is a futile endeavor. If there were a guaranteed method for virality, every article would achieve it.
The true path to getting your stories read by thousands is to focus on writing consistently, rather than chasing fleeting trends. Virality is unpredictable; while you can encourage readers to engage with your work, you cannot control how far it spreads.
Joan Westenberg emphasizes:
> "There is no way to predict viral success, and anyone who thinks they can reach for it in any kind of repeatable format is going to be wrong."
> "The key to building an audience is showing up. Showing up will give you the foundation you need to have a career and a craft. Anything else is a distraction."
So, what aspects can you control?
- Crafting compelling stories
- Maintaining a consistent publication schedule
- Learning from peers
- Consuming quality content
- Setting clear goals
- Understanding your audience’s needs
By concentrating on these controllable factors and committing to daily practice, you will move closer to success. Expect challenges and doubts; the journey will likely feature more lows than highs. These difficult times test your determination and resilience.
Ultimately, those who persistently show up and push through obstacles are the ones who find success.
If you struggle to motivate yourself to write daily and lack the discipline to continue, the harsh truth is that you may not achieve your goals. It might be time to reconsider how you spend your time.
Viral content often stems from discipline—the act of consistently showing up. You may think that a successful writer was just lucky, but the reality is that they kept at it. Their luck was a byproduct of their dedication.
You create your own luck through consistent effort. The more you work, the luckier you become.
Embrace this concept—repeat it until it resonates with you.
By maintaining a regular writing practice, you will generate a substantial body of work. Most of it may go unnoticed, with only a fraction gaining traction. However, that small percentage could lead to your breakthrough.
As you commit to daily writing, your audience will expand, and opportunities will begin to surface in ways you never imagined.
The essential takeaway is this: show up. Show up if you desire luck, show up if you seek success, and show up if you want your writing to truly resonate with others.
The first video discusses the significance of prioritizing your writing to ensure success. It emphasizes the importance of commitment and consistency in achieving your writing goals.
The second video reveals eight harsh truths writers need to confront in order to monetize their craft effectively. It provides insights into the realities of writing and earning a living from it.