How Do I 'Motivate' Myself To Write?

As a prolific writer, I often have people asking me for tips on writing effectively, or prioritising their words, but there is nothing to it, if we write from the heart and believe in what one we are writing. Belief means NO care about what others are going to say about it. They can always write their own piece and they might even be applauded for it!

It is simple fear why many people go round with ideas/books inside their heads which they never commit to print: fear of failure, fear of what others might say, fear of looking an idiot, fear of people disagreeing, fear of criticism, fear of rejection, etc., etc., and so the fear piles on. But fear is very limiting and builds nothing. It just keeps us rooted to the same spot, thinking the same stuff (especially how others are much better than us), yearning for great things, but without the courage to actually get them.

If you need to ‘motivate’ yourself to write each day, you need to be doing something else until you get the inspiration, because you are clearly unsure of your own purpose, and, even more important, WHY you are writing, hence why you have difficulty prioritising your thoughts.

Writing is a creative activity. It cannot be forced, and when you have something to say, and know why you want to say it, the words are likely to flow like a burst dam. Once you sort out why you want to write, who your audience will be, and WHAT you have to say to them, you won’t need motivating. You will just want to get on with it.

A few years ago, I wanted to write all kinds of things, being unsure which ones to write first. Then I noticed something about me: I liked interacting with people and sharing knowledge with them. I was not interested in fiction writing. I also had a lot of life experience I thought others might find useful. Ever since that time, I started to read non-fiction and self-help books voraciously which armed me with the knowledge and understanding of my subject matter.

Today it find it so hard to stay silent because I have an opinion on so many things, I have to be firm with myself to keep to certain topics that demonstrate my expertise best, and not try to be a jack of all trades. But, for me, writing is a joy that flows freely every day because I know WHY I write, what I want to achieve from it, and who my audience is. Most of all, I have no fears around my content, so people can accept it or reject it, criticise or praise. Whereas I sense some fear in you: fear of writing and putting your thoughts into words in case people think badly of it, or they think you're not a good writer.

Yet when you are a writer, you have to have faith and belief in your output. You have to know what you want to say, and above all, have a passion for saying it fearlessly. Until then, you will have constant blocks because writing is not just about words without meaning. It is an emotional activity, too, that reflects the innermost you. It cannot be manufactured without the passion and belief behind it. So you need to lose the fear and allow the inspiration to take over. Otherwise you are not ready for any kind of writing.

Quite simply, we become what we think so you have to decide what you want to be first. Start focusing on it and then your actions will reflect it, because you will begin to live like it. If you want to be writer, start acting like a darn good writer. Not second best. Seize every moment to write, whether you regard it as 'good' or 'bad'. My current motto is "Sixty, Sexy, Savvy And Soaring". My articles have been viewed millions of times over the past 10 years. So we are the ones who set the standard for the reaction of others to what we do. Once we believe in it, we can take others with us in that belief, because you have no passion in what you do, it won't appeal to others either.

Alway write from the heart, and not to impress; write about the things you love, the things which fire you, the things which make you want to sit up and shout, and in your own unique style. Write about experiences that have left their indelible mark on you and the public will gladly share them with you. The email you wrote me shows you already have the writing skills, you just need to get on with it without the fear.

The best advice is to WRITE those thoughts down, whatever they are, and keep reading them daily, amending, adding and deleting where necessary. Soon your thoughts will begin to flow easily and confidently. They will take shape before your eyes in a way you wouldn't believe. Doing something gradually about those thoughts is what turns them into good writing, as you begin to understand yourself and your potential and trust your words to make an impact.

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