Embracing the Essentials: A Guide to Meaningful Writing
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Chapter 1: Rediscovering My Writing Journey
Engaging in public writing has significantly altered my approach. I've found it increasingly challenging to maintain focus, sustain inspiration, and generate fresh ideas. This reflection has led me to consider how my writing habits have evolved over time.
Previously, I would engage in ‘Morning Pages’—a freeform writing exercise every morning with my tea, often producing three pages or more before diving into article writing. This method facilitated a smoother writing process. However, as I distanced myself from journaling, my writing became more chaotic.
Today, I returned to this practice, using a pen and notebook alongside my tea. I discovered that this approach allowed my thoughts to flow more freely, leading to a wealth of new ideas. I found myself liberated from the cycle of repetitive thoughts and the daunting blank screen with its blinking cursor. My clarity of focus returned, enabling me to generate ideas directly from my morning pages.
Sometimes, we become so engrossed in digital tools that we inadvertently constrain ourselves within technology. When striving to create something meaningful for ourselves, it’s essential to embrace methods that truly work, especially if you thrive offline.
Using What Works for You
I've encountered numerous articles by self-proclaimed leaders in online content creation, all advocating for outsourcing tasks that we either dislike or aren't skilled at. However, not everyone has the financial means to delegate work.
Instead of spending money, consider alternative methods to tackle tasks. If you find that beginning your projects on paper helps you think more clearly, start there.
Leverage Your Strengths
If you excel at organizing your thoughts through charts, lists, or bullet points, then utilize those methods. If verbalizing your thoughts aids clarity, consider recording your voice and reviewing it to refine your ideas and plan your next steps.
For those who write better with pen and paper, embrace that process. Just because you're creating content for an online platform doesn’t mean you can't start with traditional methods. You might even discover that writing by hand allows you to produce content more rapidly, free from distractions like notifications or social media feeds.
Going Back to Basics
Sometimes, the most beneficial choice we can make is to return to fundamental practices. Reducing the influx of information we consume can be incredibly helpful.
Platforms like Medium often inundate us with content we didn’t ask for. While we may subscribe to writers and publications that pique our interest, the algorithms frequently fail to deliver relevant content.
In my experience, the algorithm rarely works in my favor. Instead of presenting me with desired content, I’m bombarded with headlines that spark little interest, forcing me to compare myself with others—whether their claims of followers and income are genuine or not. This can lead to an unhealthy mindset, compelling me to write more in an attempt to "keep up" with others.
By reverting to paper, I can escape the constant barrage of headlines and blinking cursors. Once I have crafted my content, I can return to upload it without distraction. This method helps me maintain focus and be more selective about the content I choose to engage with.
I can prioritize following individuals and reading content that genuinely interests me, rather than being overwhelmed by unwanted material. Despite our attempts to filter out certain posts, it often feels like the opposite occurs, inundating us with even more unwanted content.
I’m committed to returning to basics. Each morning, I will dedicate time to putting my thoughts on paper. Once I have something meaningful to share, I will focus on that, allowing me to connect with the writers and readers I admire. While this approach requires more effort, it ultimately benefits my mental well-being.
Though Medium may not classify itself as a social media platform, it evokes similar emotional responses and mental health challenges. It’s crucial that we safeguard our mental health and emotional responses because, often, no one else will.
I am becoming more intentional in my writing journey, consciously recalling the reasons I write and reclaiming my personal power. I will no longer stretch myself thin to appease the demands of algorithms.
This video provides seven essential steps for beginner content writers to enhance their skills and productivity.
Chapter 2: Back to Fundamentals: Structure and Clarity
Dive into the basics of writing structure with this informative video that emphasizes clarity and organization in your content creation.