Unlocking the Hidden Confidence of Experienced Writers
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Chapter 1: The Advantage of Experience
Many writers express feelings of discouragement. Engaging in online writing can be challenging and often takes considerable time to master. The concept of the 10,000-hour rule suggests that it requires extensive practice to achieve true expertise. However, older writers may possess a unique advantage that can act as a shortcut to success.
When I began my online writing journey in January 2023, I felt completely lost. Receiving only 24 views in my first month was a blow to my self-esteem. It became apparent that growth would be a lengthy process, and self-doubt crept in. Yet, I persisted.
What I didn't know was that there was a way to bypass the lengthy 10,000-hour journey. I assumed I was starting from zero, feeling as though I had no relevant knowledge. This mindset limited my belief in my capabilities and impeded my progress. Gradually, however, I experienced growth, reaching 1,000 followers in nine months and 7,000 in 15 months. Yet, this journey could have been significantly easier.
While the 10,000 hours are indeed necessary, I wasn’t truly starting from scratch. At the age of 50, I had accumulated a wealth of skills that I could leverage in my writing. The realization of this fact can significantly boost your confidence.
Here are five skills I brought to the table:
Section 1.1: Mastering the Craft of Writing
With 25 years of experience in delivering public presentations, I learned how to summarize key points into concise, memorable sentences. This skill translated seamlessly into my writing, effectively providing me with an equivalent of 1,000 hours of practice.
Subsection 1.1.1: Designing Compelling Content
One of my favorite roles involved creating training materials for leaders, a position I cherished for a decade. Researching and structuring content proved invaluable, adding another 1,000 hours to my writing expertise.
Section 1.2: Understanding Human Nature
During my tenure as a CEO of a small charity for 11 years, I led a team of four staff members and 80 volunteers. This role was demanding and required me to inspire and influence others. I soon discovered that writing isn’t solely about the words; a significant portion involves understanding people. This insight contributed another 1,000 hours of experience.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Continuous Learning
I have a voracious appetite for reading, consuming between five to ten books each month. This habit has enriched my knowledge and honed my learning abilities, adding yet another 1,000 hours to my skill set.
The first video, "1 Small Change To IMPROVE Your Life Forever | Benjamin Hardy," explores how minor adjustments can lead to significant life transformations.
Doing the Work
Training for marathons, like those in London and Edinburgh, involved countless hours of early morning runs, adhering to a rigorous training plan. Much like running, writing demands commitment and resilience. You must consistently produce content even when progress seems nonexistent. Many give up at this stage, but building resilience is essential for achieving success. My 1,000 hours of developing this resilience have proven invaluable.
Initially, I felt out of my depth as a writer, believing I was starting from a place of ignorance. My confidence was fragile, and I was sensitive to criticism and low engagement. I failed to recognize the misleading narratives I was telling myself.
Today, I can confidently say that I've earned over $1,000 this month, a testament to the value of the skills and knowledge I bring to my writing. However, I could have achieved this sense of strength much earlier.
What This Means for You
The online writing landscape is unforgiving. There’s a great deal to learn, and the numerical feedback can be disheartening. You might find yourself comparing your journey to those who seem to soar, overlooking the unique strengths you possess.
You don’t begin your journey at zero. You have a wealth of experiences, skills, and knowledge that enhance your writing abilities. While there is always room for improvement, resist the urge to berate yourself for perceived shortcomings. Instead, celebrate how far you’ve come.
Create a list of:
- The knowledge you've acquired
- The skills you've honed through your professional experiences
- The personal traits you've developed through challenges
This exercise will elevate your confidence and fortify your writing capabilities. It sets you apart from AI-generated content, showcasing your uniqueness. Writing transcends mere listicles; it’s about sharing your authentic self with the world. Readers seek the invaluable gift that is uniquely you.
In just seven months, I gained 6,000 followers and currently earn $750 per month. If you're interested in learning my writing secrets, I invite you to join 1,261 other writers and sign up for my free course:
Free email course
Three minutes a day equips you with essential tools to become a compelling writer and elevate your craft.
www.derekhughes.biz
The second video, "Writing will try to change your life. Should you let it?" delves into the transformative power of writing and whether we should embrace that journey.