Thanks for connecting with me here!
My name is Emmanuel Iheanyi and popularly known as “Emmy Steve” online.
My goal is to help you increase your focus, energy and health and ultimately transform your life and business.
How I restarted the habit of writing?
I began writing as a habit almost 8-10 years ago from my first year in college.
Back then, when I wrote any piece – I would post it on my Facebook profile.
The reason was simple – after a few picture posts, I couldn’t fathom how I could still Enjoy using the app if all I did was to post pictures:
“Vanity” I thought.
Luckily I met a few “smarter” friends in College who also enjoyed writing and sharing ideas on their Facebook walls – we’d read, comment and share each other’s posts.
In fact, one of my friends was a genius in Fiction writing.
The party didn’t last long. It didn’t take up to two years in school – we all abandoned our love for writing to “face our studies” so we could pass exams and graduate in the end. In short we all outgrew using social media.
Writing was unrelated to our “scientific studies.”
Here’s how I picked back the habit of writing again:
10 tips to Start Writing as a habit
1: Write morning pages
I learned this from the book “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lammot and learned to first write without judgment.
Write the shitty first draft!
I no more do this every day – but to start every morning you write whatever comes to your mind and keep writing till you cover at least 3 pages.
The idea is to get rid of the habit of judging yourself while writing first drafts which stems from the enemy called “perfectionism.”
You gotta write the “shitty” first drafts and take the time to edit later.
Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft.”― Anne Lamott
2: Keep a Journal
Sometimes I find my thoughts racing as I’m worrying about this or that.
Then I remember, it’s time to put things on paper.
Journaling is a great habit to calm your mind, clarify your thoughts and even store great ideas you can implement in the future.
Check out my post on how to start journaling and this Idea list by @sqadir on the benefits of journaling.
3: Read books as a habit
It’s no secret – garbage in, garbage out.
No shortcuts here.
You’re only as good as the quality of content you consume.
I used to read a lot of fiction as a kid – then I paused because I thought non-fiction was more important.
But lately I’ve been studying the likes of Stephen King on how to write better and tell interesting stories – so I’m going to pick back the habit of reading fiction books as well as non-fiction books.
I find 3 major reasons to read books:
a) Learning new stuff:
Read to learn new stuff you can apply and talk about at any point.
b) Doing big shit
People don’t remember you for the books you read – they remember and know you for what you’re doing with your life.
The most interesting people take a lot of action and do a lot of great shit by implementing rather than talking.
Think some of the greatest Entrepreneurs of all time – Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezoz – no one mentions these people for the books they read – rather the big stuff they’ve done or are doing presently.
c) Developing a style
First you’ve got to imitate great work, then you can develop a style of your own with time. Reading is a life hack to be influenced by great writers – you don’t even need their permission. You just need to consume their stuff.
4: Use Social media
Facebook groups, Twitter, Quora and presently NotePD has been my go-to social media to sharing my ideas.
Whatever platform you use – with social media gives you the advantage of interacting with other people. Including your ideal audience and also other writers that can help better your craft.
You could also use it to share you work in the future (8th point).
5: Stop focusing on Original ideas and learn to connecting dots
David Perrel used to emphasize that good writing is beyond writing from your head (or only Original thoughts) – but about connecting the dots.
Build swipe files or a form of note collection on various interests of yours.I use Evernote for this (I’ve saved thousands of notes from different people and resources).
The aim is not plagiarize but whenever you want to write on a particular idea – you may look at one or two for inspiration – then go ahead and write yours.
Another effective way is to write first from your head – then look at good ideas while editing – so you can be as succinct as possible.
You can collect ideas from books, forums, groups where your ideal clients hang around. Literally anywhere.
The best copywriters do this. It also applies to good writing. This way you don’t write from scratch or scarcity – but rather abundance.
Another point here is to Credit as many people as possible when necessary.
Don’t think its weakness to give credit to others. It makes you work sound authentic and shows how much effort you put.
6: Steal like an Artist
This builds from the previous point. Read the book if you haven’t done so.
The only ideas that should capture you attention are those worth stealing – ideas good enough.
Remember, if you only get ideas from one source or author – then you’ll be accused of imitating him or her. But if you get ideas from so many sources worth stealing – then you’ve built your own style.
“How does an artist look at the world? First, you figure out what’s worth stealing, then you move on to the next thing. That’s about all there is to it. When you look at the world this way, you stop worrying about what’s “good” and what’s “bad”—there’s only stuff worth stealing, and stuff that’s not worth stealing.”― Austin Kleon, Steal like an Artist
7: Write Everyday
If you’re using this app, you’re fortunate to have a system that keeps you accountable and has a community as a bonus.
The best way to write better is to simply write everyday. The goal is to build your idea muscle like James A. would say to a point it works for you whenever you need it to.
But if you let it atrophy, then you need to put more work to get it back up. Exercise your ideas muscle everyday, folks.
8: Share your works.
This can build momentum, share your message as well as inspire others.
Various platforms to share your work include:-
Forums and Communities-
NotePd and other Social media
Blogging
Email list
Write a Book
“Social media sites are the perfect place to share daily updates. Don’t worry about being on every platform; pick and choose based on what you do and the people you’re trying to reach.”― Austin Kleon, Show your Work
9: Build an Audience
In today’s world, building an audience is a critical stage to writing.
Don’t wait until you have the perfect idea to share with your audience. Build first, then sell later.
Its beyond thinking short term.
Think the “Hormozi Law: The longer you delay the ask, the bigger the ask you can make or the latter the ask, the bigger the reward ($100M offers).
10: Use AI
Now writing options are existing. While they can have their flaws – good use of AI can 10x your effort.
I was first fascinated by the likes of Jasper/Copy AI, I’m glad NotePD has this feature too.
Tools were made to be used – first you have to do the work. I wrote my 10 ideas before looking at the AI feature here.
Fact is technology is invading every aspect of human endeavours and we got to Key in.
11: Bonus point: Learn SEO and copywriting
Both can be outsourced. But, I’ve had to rewrite a few blog posts to optimize for Search engines.
Once you start writing as a habit – then you’ve got to learn other high-end skills like SEO and copywriting so you won’t have to rewrite every single post of yours in the future when you learn SEO.
Knowledge of Copywriting would help you sell your idea and print $$$.
So put some effort and energy and start learning the basics.
Connect with me on NotePD @stevewinroad
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Email: stevewinroad@gmail.com
ABOUT ME:
Emmy Steve writes on his personal blog that helps Entrepreneurs optimize their focus, energy and health. He studied Pharmacy in college but ever since has been a committed writer and Entrepreneur. You can connect with him on Twitter @winroadsteve where he loves to hangout and share ideas with other bloggers and entrepreneurs.