When I first started writing, I had no idea how much I didn’t know. In fact, 90% of new writers quit within their first year, and I was nearly one of them. But then I learned these three crucial lessons that changed everything.
I’m not telling you this to scare you, but to help you avoid some of the bumps I encountered. I’ve climbed my way to “Unconsciously Competent” – where writing feels much more natural. And honestly? It would have saved me a ton of time and frustration if I’d grasped these three things from the start.
1. Writing is WAY More Than Just Words
I used to think writing was a breeze. Just slap some words on the page, and boom, you’re done, right? Nope! It took me nearly a year to truly “get” what writing is.
It’s not just about grammar and punctuation (though those are important!). It’s also not about knowing a lot of big words or having a fancy vocabulary. It’s about organizing your thoughts in a way that makes sense to someone else. It’s about clarity, coherence, and guiding your reader through your ideas. Think of it as building a house – you need a solid blueprint, not just a pile of bricks.
Once I grasped this deeper aspect of writing, I went from feeling like I ‘had it all figured out’ to realizing just how much more I had to learn. And that was just the beginning of my journey to becoming a truly competent writer.
2. Just Writing Doesn’t Guarantee Readers
Here’s a harsh truth: you can write the most amazing stuff, but if nobody knows it exists, it’s like shouting into the void. If you ignore this, prepare for:
- Your work vanishing into the depths of the internet
- Major frustration and burnout
- The urge to quit writing altogether
Not fun, right? That’s why learning to connect with potential readers is just as crucial as the writing itself. Think of it as inviting people to your house party – you can’t just open the doors and hope they show up!
3. Comparing Yourself is a Creativity Killer
When you focus on your own journey, you’ll discover your unique voice and build genuine confidence.
Comparing your writing journey to someone else’s is a trap. It’s like comparing who has the fanciest car – ultimately pointless. It doesn’t matter!
When the urge to compare yourself to others strikes, try reframing your mindset. Instead of seeing it as a race, view your writing journey as a personal growth process. Set specific, measurable goals for yourself – like improving your editing skills or experimenting with a new storytelling technique – and celebrate your own incremental victories. This will help you maintain a mindset of ‘just getting a little bit better each day’ rather than worrying about how you stack up to anyone else.
From Incompetent to Unstoppable
Learning these three lessons was a game-changer for me. I went from being Unconscious Incompetent to an Unconscious Competent writer.
So, let’s ditch the writing nightmares:
- Get crystal clear on what writing really is
- Learn to reach out and build connections with your readers
- Stop the self-sabotage of comparing yourself to others
It took me almost a year to find my footing and become the best writer I could be. This does not mean there is no further improvement; on the contrary, I know I can still learn a lot. But with these insights, you’ll be able to become competent much faster.
So, embrace these lessons, keep writing, and get ready to unleash your full potential as a writer!
