Bit #20 – Renovate Your Most Difficult Writing Space, Your Mind
When was the last time you renovated your writing space? I am not talking about where you physically write, but the writing space inside your head.
When you think of yourself as a writer, what thoughts come to mind? Are they positive? Negative? Indifferent?
When you sit down to write, what emotions do you bring with you? Are there any distractions that interfere with your writing?
If you do not already, it is time to start thinking of yourself as a writer. Writing is THE most important tool for success in academia. Academics write you for a living. YOU write for a living! YOU are a professional writer! Be proud of that! Shout it out.
Remember that writing is a skill, not a talent, and even the best writers are constantly working to improve their craft. Find ways to enhance your craft today. Reading this email is one step.
Another step is to make sure the writing space in your mind is flourishing. A healthy writing space follows the five aspects below. Find time to engage in writing professional development in one of these five areas. Pick an area today and start to enhance the thoughts you have about yourself as a writer.
- Socially balanced – Writing is both an isolated and social endeavor. Are you balanced right now? Do you engage with people while you write (e.g., writing groups, accountability partners, etc.) and give yourself time to write independently?
- Physically engaging – Are both your body and mind engaged while you write?
- Aesthetically nourishing – What can you add to your writing habits that infuse color, beauty, and style?
- Creatively challenging – Writing is challenging, but do you feel challenged in a healthy way? Not anxious or frustrated…
- Emotionally fulfilling – Do you find joy in your writing? Do you celebrate your writing success (both large and small)?
If you need ideas for strengthening any of these areas, let me know.
