Writing Effectively: The Importance of Deliberate Practice
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Chapter 1: Rethinking Daily Writing
In recent discussions about writing habits, I stumbled upon an article by Kieran MacRae that questioned the traditional belief in daily writing. Initially, I was surprised, as this was precisely the approach I had adopted, and it seemed to be yielding positive results.
Having written daily for three months and achieving approximately a 70% success rate, I was on the brink of my first $100 month on Medium, all without any boosts or publications. Yet, upon further reflection on MacRae's article, I found his points compelling and largely agreed with his perspective.
He emphasized the common advice to "be consistent" — a mantra often repeated in writing circles. While I committed to this for nine months, I realized that my mindset was flawed. This brings us to the key distinction between mere repetition and the concept of 'deliberate practice.'
Section 1.1: The Concept of Deliberate Practice
The essence of MacRae's argument is that simply repeating a task without improvement is futile, akin to banging one's head against a wall. While action is crucial, it must be coupled with intentionality and adaptation. This is where the principle of deliberate practice becomes essential.
According to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, deliberate practice is a focused and systematic approach to improvement, differing significantly from mindless repetition. Recognizing this distinction prompted me to consider how I could enhance my own practice and maximize the effort I was already investing.
Subsection 1.1.1: What I Was Already Doing
In my previous experiences with business and personal success, I had already adopted several beneficial habits, such as:
- Writing daily, which was a solid foundation.
- Engaging a mentor for guidance and accountability.
- Enrolling in various courses for skill enhancement.
- Seeking feedback from reliable peers.
While these strategies set me apart from those who practiced without thought, I realized I still had room for improvement. I needed to dig deeper and ask myself how I could be more intentional in my efforts.
Section 1.2: Enhancing My Approach
Reflecting on my writing process, I brainstormed ways to be more systematic and purposeful. Here are the specific areas I identified for improvement:
- Outlining Articles: I recognized the need to prepare my content more thoroughly before writing. Although I had shied away from this practice, it would help me maintain focus and coherence in my writing. In today's fast-paced digital landscape, staying on topic is crucial.
- Increasing Output: I found that producing a single article often took longer than expected, which hindered my ability to maintain momentum. By becoming more organized, I could write faster and create a buffer for days when I needed to take a break.
- Analyzing My Stats: MacRae noted that writing indiscriminately would not attract an audience. This insight resonated with me, as I had previously neglected to analyze what topics resonated with readers. Understanding my audience's interests could guide my writing in a more targeted direction.
Chapter 2: Moving Forward with Intent
As I consider my next steps, it has become clear that I need to adopt a more serious approach to my writing. Merely producing content and hoping for success isn't sufficient. I aspire to excel, as evidenced by my decision to pivot from a previous $50k/month business to focus on writing full-time.
In the first video, "Why I Don't Write Every Day," the creator discusses the pitfalls of rigid writing schedules and the importance of flexibility in the creative process. This perspective aligns with my reflections on the need for a balanced approach to writing.
The second video, "10 Reasons You Aren't Writing Online (And How To Fix Them)," offers practical tips for aspiring writers facing common challenges. These insights could prove valuable as I refine my approach.
In conclusion, my goal is to be more intentional in my writing journey. I want to cultivate my craft without compromising my authenticity. By focusing on deliberate practice, outlining, analyzing data, and being more organized, I believe I can significantly enhance my writing effectiveness.
What strategies can you implement to elevate your own efforts, whether in writing or another area of your life? How can you apply the principles of deliberate practice to achieve greater success?
Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate your feedback or a simple clap! To stay updated on my writing journey, feel free to subscribe to my regular emails at justemil.com, where supporters gain access to exclusive content and resources.