What 40 Blogs Taught Me About Writing.

The Obsession | Edition - 040

Nothing I write is original. And honestly, nothing anybody writes is.

I wanted to share a bit about what I've learned from writing these blogs.

Morgan Housel said it best - "A lot of good writing makes points that people already intuitively know but haven't yet put into words. It works because readers learn something new without having to expend much energy questioning whether it's true."

Originality Pressure:

Trying to be completely original in anything is near impossible. And that pressure can be paralyzing. You sit there trying to come up with something no one has ever said before, and you end up settling on doing nothing.

Here's what I've found. The ability to articulate your thoughts and put them on paper is what brings an idea to life. And it will likely resonate with a group of people. You don't need to be fully original. Just putting your thoughts on paper will take you farther than you think.

A Mirror Over a Window:

Think of writing as a mirror, not a window. What I mean is think of it as a place to reflect, not a place to persuade.

The best writing has the ability for people to relate to it in some way. It puts to words what people already think about or feel but haven't been able to express.

That's what allows a reader to better understand and connect with what you're sharing. You're not telling them something brand new. You're helping them see something they already knew.

The Best Ideas Survive Through Repetition:

The best ideas are repeated over and over, just by someone else. Humanity has faced the same issues throughout history, just with different mediums.

It's up to you to spend time learning, reflecting, practicing, and working to do it better. Combining what you learn from others to create something of your own.

That's what these blogs have been for me.

THE WEEKLY 3

1) One Question I Asked Myself

Am I not starting something because I'm waiting to have a completely original idea?

2) One Idea That Shifted Me

The best writing isn't about saying something no one has ever said. It's about putting to words what people already feel but haven't been able to express.

3) One Challenge to Take Into Your Week

Write something down this week. A thought, a lesson, a reflection. It doesn't have to be original.