The Art of Part-Time Writing in a Busy World
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Chapter 1: Embracing Your Writing Journey
As someone who writes part-time, it took me some time to confidently declare it. Admitting this still feels slightly odd. For me, writing involves dedicating my early mornings or weekends to hone my skills. At times, it can be draining, exhausting, and even stressful. There's no denying it—writing is hard work. After exploring different methods and techniques, I find myself here, crafting this newsletter on a pleasant Saturday morning, enjoying my iced matcha latte while soaking up the sunshine.
If you, like me, are balancing writing with other commitments, here are a few principles I adhere to.
Section 1.1: Prioritize Publishing Over Perfection
Editing often proves to be the most arduous and time-consuming part of my writing process. I frequently spend countless hours rewriting and refining my work. However, given my time constraints, striving for perfection can be counterproductive. Typos and errors are inevitable, regardless of how much effort I invest in proofreading. Therefore, I've adopted a new rule: publish even if it doesn't meet my ideal standard. As long as I can write at least 300 words daily, I deem it a success while still aiming to minimize errors.
Section 1.2: Seek Inspiration and Motivation
If you were to inquire about my writing routine, I must admit I lack a concrete answer. The truth is, my writing flows from my feelings and what resonates with me on any given day. Initially, it was tough to sit in front of my laptop for hours, grappling with how to articulate my thoughts. I found myself typing, deleting, and retyping, yet the words often felt jumbled. I came to realize that I needed to clarify what I truly wanted to express. Even when my writing isn't at its best, I keep it. The act of writing itself is a significant step forward.
Subsection 1.2.1: Ask Your Future Self
When I encounter a writing block, I ask my future self, "How would you approach this?" This mindset can be powerful. Many people aim to avoid disappointing their future selves, pushing for excellence. I harness this perspective to motivate myself. I envision my future self as confident, wise, and resilient—qualities I may not fully possess yet. Instead of criticizing myself for not always feeling joyful while writing, I mentally transport myself to a future where I’m a fulfilled writer, producing meaningful pieces. I want my future self to look back and feel proud of my efforts, knowing I pursued my dreams. Someday, I hope to share these stories with my children and grandchildren.
Chapter 2: Understanding the 80/20 Rule
The video title is "Stephan Moccio: Heal the Soul, Restore the Calm." This insightful talk encourages viewers to find peace and clarity in their creative pursuits.
Section 2.1: Identifying Your Essential Efforts
You might be familiar with the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, which suggests that 20% of your efforts yield 80% of your results. I apply this principle to my writing endeavors and other pursuits. Instead of spreading myself thin working with numerous low-paying clients, I focus on securing a few high-paying clients who appreciate my work. Nowadays, I prioritize writing for its own sake, rather than worrying about my potential success.
Section 2.2: One Day at a Time
When I began my online writing journey two years ago (exactly 1,000 days ago), I had no idea how long it would last. What started as a fun hobby has evolved into something remarkable. This experience has taught me that a long journey begins with a single step. Taking that initial step is crucial, and everything else will follow. I no longer fret about the next five years; writing brings me joy, and I plan to continue until that changes. My goal is to relish the journey and see where it leads.
Final Thoughts
Writing part-time isn't rocket science; it's all about your perspective. If you view it as a passion, it becomes easier, transforming writing into a true art form. There's no competition or rush. You're pursuing writing to escape the monotony of routine that leaves you feeling unfulfilled. It's a long yet rewarding journey. Having written over 400 articles part-time, this experience has been incredibly fulfilling. If you're contemplating this path, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in. Embrace the principles I've shared, think long-term, and, most importantly, find joy in writing. If I can do it, so can you. Best of luck!
What are your thoughts? Feel free to share in the comments.
Be Bold
Be Courageous
Be Your Best
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