There are sometimes when writing comes easy, but there are many more times, when you need to work considerably hard to get started and have a go. But, it always feels a worthwhile endeavour.

Benefits of writing

It brings another aspect to a subject that you have a great passion for. I only write about subjects that interest me, cycling, spirituality, economics. They are all very different, but writing about it is a unique way to understand the subject in a different light.

Writing about spirituality is particularly beneficial. I’ve often said, it’s easier to write about how we should behave, than to actually live it. But, when writing about topics of self-improvement, it gives a very strong sense of reinforcement and motivation to try and live by the principles you write about. When teaching economics, I always tell my students 90% of learning is in teaching. This may sound confusing, but you don’t learn by just passively listening. You really learn when you try to explain what you’ve read about. This is why writing is so powerful. When we write we really need to improve our grasp of our particular philosophy. By the end, our conscious awareness and understanding is much stronger. By writing, we make the subject very real. This is why writing can help in a spiritual path, writing creates a much stronger clarity and understanding of the essential philosophy.

Writing gives us an opportunity for self-development. Sometimes when I see my own writing, I shrink away from it, almost embarrassed. When we write we put a part of ourselves out into the world. Writing becomes an opportunity to overcome any pride and insecurity. Writing is a challenge to write and offer something in a detached way.

A little benefit to other people. When I write, I do it out of a personal motivation. I never expect to change or influence anyone else. But, if it can give a little joy inspiration to other people, then it is an added bonus.

It is a creative use of time. In the internet age, there are so many distractions and ways to pass away time that it is easy to become a couch potato, or internet surfer. Writing invokes the creative part of the brain, and gives a sense of achievement that is very rewarding.

How to get started

The first thing is to start off with just one paragraph. Once you get the first sentence down, it becomes much easier.  My biggest challenge is often the period of procrastination trying to decide on the title and what to write about.

Start out without any expectations. The biggest enemy to writing is a preconceived notion it must be perfect. This perfection seeking is just really a clever excuse for not writing at all. The first draft only you have to read. Keep it simple and don’t expect to write The Gettysburg Address, at your first attempt.

Read other writers for inspiration. Note the good things about their writing, which you might like to incorporate. But, don’t seek to imitate, writing is all about developing your own style and own voice.

Think in terms of gradual progress. Writing is a skill, which needs practise. If you sit down to play the piano, the first attempts will not be overwhelming, but with practise, it gets better.

After the first draft, leave it a little while and then go back and read it. Feel you are reading it out to an audience. You will then want to modify, edit and clarify. In these revisions try to consider what your reading audience would want. What kind of book / article would you want to read. When you read an article, what do you appreciate? – clarity of purpose, directness, a lightness and humour, avoiding unnecessary complications and words.

Seek for constructive criticism. In the beginning its useful to ask for a little constructive criticism. Perhaps you have a friend who will be able to  kindly offer some suggestions, without going to extremes and offering discouragement.

Related

• Writing without ego
• Writing from the heart – 10 suggestions
• 7 Self-improvement ideas

photo: Tejvan, Oxford

Readers Question. As another blogger that deals in the self help niche how do you follow your own advice about following your ideals quietly? I often find it hard to blog about these topics without sounding boastful, or that I know it all. Any tips?

Thanks, Kayci

A thought provoking question. I will offer these points, but, I would be interested in suggestions from other writers in the field of self-improvement.
1. Write with Confidence.

I think it is important to write with confidence. This should not be confused with boasting; it is simply writing with clarity. For example, if we write with great hesitation and uncertainty it becomes painful to read. Compare the following 2 examples:

“Controlling your anger is essential for peace of mind.”

“I think that if you control your anger, it is highly probable that you will have greater peace of mind; at least this is what some other people say; as of yet, I am unable to successfully implement this in my life, nevertheless I recommend you give it a try.”

Note: in the first example, you don’t necessarily imply that the writer is always successful in controlling his anger – just that it is a desirable thing to do.

2. Include Yourself in making mistakes.

“A common mistake you can easily make is to allow small things to irritate you”

“A common mistake we can easily make is to allow small things irritate us.”

Here we change just two words, but, it completely changes the tone of the message. In the first example, it implies that, you (the reader) make the mistake; but, the writer doesn’t. Therefore, it has a condescending attitude.

However, in the second example, we say everyone (including the writer) is liable to make the mistake. – Wouldn’t it be much better if we all did the right thing?

In the second example, there is a oneness between reader and writer. – We are learning together. In the first example, the writer is telling the reader they should be more like us. It is a small point, but, it makes a big difference to the tone of the article.

3. Write in the Third person

To prevent anger, it is advisable to take a few deep breaths.

To prevent anger, I take a few deep breaths

For self improvement articles, generally, it is advisable to leave out the “I” when you write from the perspective of “I” do this. You imply that you always follow your own advice. (There are occasions when it is good to write from the perspective of I. Perhaps when you recount a personal example of how you made a mistake, but, were able to learn from it.)

When you write in the third person, like the first example, it can just as easily be advice for yourself.

4. Use Quotes from respected authorities.

Thomas Jefferson suggests this piece of advice for dealing with anger.

“When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, an hundred.”

5. Don’t pretend to know everything.

For example, at the end of the article, you could invite further comments from your readers. Often readers offer useful comments, which help improve the article. This makes the reader feel part of the article.

Thanks to Kayci for Question.

Kayci’s blog: Your Highest Potential

See also:

• Tips for Writing for self development

Picture: By: Pavitrata Taylor, Sri Chinmoy Centre Gallery’s