Is an idea singing around in your head?
Perhaps you’d like to write your dream book or course. Or maybe you finally want to start a blog because you’re passionate about helping people.
Deep in your heart, what would you like to write? What piques your curiosity? What makes your heart dance?
Two years ago, I committed to my biggest ever writing project.
At the time, I briefly wondered whether I was crazy. Why would I commit to an ambitious project when I struggle with low energy? Didn’t I have my hands full with teaching my writing courses? Wouldn’t it be smarter to take an easier route?
The project was uncertain. I hadn’t seen anything like it before. Could I pull it off???
Fast forward to today, and thanks to a little magic, I’m nearly at the finishing line.
Want to know how to accomplish your biggest writing challenge, too?
1. Connect with your heart
The only way to jump into my project was to ignore the rational arguments against it and to listen to my heart.
I am passionate about helping people write. Yet, in my blogging courses, I discovered that teaching people writing techniques isn’t enough to help them commit to a regular blogging habit.
Many people have good ideas to share but something is holding them back—whether that’s lack of energy, self-doubt, perfectionism, an overwhelming to-do list, procrastination, or a rickety writing process.
I knew I wanted to help more people nurture a writing habit so they could express and share their ideas. Writing has made such a big difference to me. Through writing, I’ve connected with wonderful people across the world. I’ve made new friends. I’ve learned to think better and to express my ideas more clearly. And by writing about my inner critic, I even learned to be more at peace with myself.
Rationally, embarking on my big project may have seemed crazy.
However, emotionally, I knew this was the project I wanted to do most desperately. I knew it could help many people get unstuck. Plus, I felt more excited about it than any other project. I was curious.
So, I decided to follow my heart.
2. Embrace your naivety
Overthinking kills many writing projects.
The more we dream, the grander, more beautiful, and more encompassing a project becomes. And as an idea grows in our minds, our resistance to getting started and implement our idea seems to grow even faster. The project becomes terrifying.
Of course, there’s a benefit to letting projects simmer for a while—to see whether your excitement lasts.
But don’t let ideas percolate for too long.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist who has studied creativity and the principles of flow, suggests that creative people are both smart and naive.
So, to start your project, embrace your naivety.
Don’t think for too long. If your idea feels good after a short period of percolation, jump in. Take the first step to bring your dream into reality. And discover where your inspiration leads to.
3. Focus on doing the work (and ignore everyone’s advice)
An online marketing veteran once told me how easy it is to write a Kindle book …
10,000 words is enough for a Kindle book, and you can write that in a weekend.
Excuse me?!?
My first book is just over 10,000 words. I can’t remember exactly how long it took me to write it, but I think it was somewhere between 6 and 12 months.
Some people write incredibly fast. They might even write a whole novel in one month.
But we all run our own race.
And each writer, each project is different.
If you thrive on big challenges and hairy goals, go ahead. Be audacious, and sprint to the finish line. If that doesn’t work for you, focus on doing the work, tiny step by tiny step.
It took me two years to create my upcoming course on writing habits and joyful productivity. I created most of the course by writing for 50 minutes a day—in two chunks of 25 minutes. By simply doing a little work on most days, I got an amazing amount of work done. I even surprised myself.
Don’t underestimate the power of tiny steps and steady progress.
4. Expect strong headwinds
Last September, I cycled along the Canal du Midi in France. The route is completely flat, so the easy pedaling appealed to me.
But one day, the weather forecast was mean: Gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.
And the worst thing?
Our first 10 miles would be straight into the wind.
Oh my.
As I climbed on my bike, I was worried. Could I cope with the wind? Would I make it to our next stop?
Somehow, I decided to stop battling myself, to stop worrying and to take it one yard at a time, or rather: one pedal push at a time. I decided to enjoy the ride, no matter how rough it would be.
I’m not sure whether the forecast was a little exaggerated.
But I made it.
And I still remember how good it felt to let go of my worries.
The same mindset applies to working on big hairy projects, too. Each project has its ups and downs—sometimes you experience a tailwind and you write almost effortlessly, as if everything falls into place.
But then you turn a corner, perhaps you start revising or you begin a new chapter and, at once, strong gusts are blowing into your face and you feel like you’re blown off track. Oh my. You hadn’t thought of this. What a nightmare! This is never going to work!
The trick is to let go of your worries. Don’t battle yourself, instead focus on getting unstuck. What’s going on? Why does it seem hard? How can you make a little more progress?
Don’t feel disheartened when a project gets tough. Every project has its ups and downs. Embrace the hard work and keep going, tiny step by tiny step.
5. Find a magic wand
In my latest project, I was lucky.
I didn’t write this project all on my own. Kathy Keats helped me structure my project, gave feedback and generously shared her experience and knowledge.
Kathy and I have different backgrounds. She’s a high-performance coach and I’m a writing coach. Working together allowed us to pool our knowledge. Plus, every time I got stuck, she helped me get unstuck.
When you collaborate with a person you trust, navigating headwinds becomes a lot easier. It’s like Kathy had a magic wand to let the wind die down 🙂
Start your dream project this week
Life is too short to let ideas sing around forever. Life is too short to leave your dreams unrealized.
So, take action to implement your best idea.
Start small.
Take a tiny step.
Can you take one tiny step this week?
As a Chinese proverb suggests:
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
Further reading on committing to your writing projects:
How to set and achieve your writing goals
A 5-day plan for regular blog writing
4 routines that cut my writing time by 50%
Hi Henneke!
why I liked this post because it reminded me of the time when I used to overthink a lot on this and that…that period was really depressive for me…Nevertheless, it is a good post keep up the good work…
I’mm glad you got through that depressive period, Vaibhav!
Indeed you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Sometimes we focus too much on how long a path remains to the destination instead of looking back how far we already traveled. Better yet, chunking a large project then only focusing on the current slice is less intimidating. Have a plan, trust the process, and follow your heart.
Yep, that’s it. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey, no matter how long it may take. Thank you for stopping by, Alex. I appreciate it.
Stop battling self and enjoy the ride. Yes.
We’ve pretty well finished with moving house, and I’ve worked a lot on my office. It is so exciting to me! Yet there is so much left to do! It’s still so unfinished in my eyes. Every day I find more ways to perfect it.
Just yesterday I came to a new point in my assessment of a day: I no longer feel guilt about what I did not get done; I’d be guilty every day if I did not stop it! Instead, I will count up and enjoy bragging a bit about the things I DID finish. It’s usually a several-entry list. And a lot of it doesn’t show: What you put away is not obvious, but the things left out are glaring at you! 😀
So instead of writing a to-do list, from now on I will write a DONE list. It’s something I’ve tried before and loved it then and will love it now. I makes me excited to get started and happy when something is finally on that list. Then it becomes a lot like a journal, a record of amazing accomplishments.
Thanks for the spurring you do!
It’s so great you have your own office space now!
I also love your idea of a DONE list to remind yourself of what you’ve completed rather than feel guilty about what you haven’t done yet.
Have a lovely time in your new house!
Henneke, thank you for this. I am getting started on a biography, about myself and the life I’ve lived, at times it’s so scary to write something’s down without crying. I’m trying to push through. I will be subscribing to you. Do you have any other places you post informational or personal insights? Would love to read your writings. Thank you again
Especially when writing about things that are emotional to you, it’s important to find a writing rhythm that works for you. The writing can be quite therapeutic.
You’ll find my writing on my blog, in my books and courses. I sometimes write a few snippets on Instagram, but mainly post drawings there.
Hello Henneke,
When I was the newbie in the blogging world, I hade no idea about niche then I was very upset, that was my past, I have learned many things from a different blog like your blog.
thanks for this.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Niraj!
A tiny step, a tiny pedal, or a tiny stroke of the pen. Your words are so inspiring, Henneke! And I’m so happy for you that your course is finally complete. I know it’s going to be a smash hit! 🙂
I love this, Penelope: “A tiny step, a tiny pedal, or a tiny stroke of the pen.”
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
I love reading your work. Your words are mouthwatering, succinct and easy to understand.
perhaps, I often rush to google to catch up with the glimpse of your articles. I love Reading them to the end
well,how can I enroll into your free online course?
Thank you for your compliment, Edwin. You can enroll in the free course here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/free-writing-course/
Hi, I have a lot of ideas but I didn’t have time to write and I can related to this.
It’s so common: Too many ideas, and not enough time. Follow your heart and pick an idea that excites you. Then make a little time as often as you can. Good luck!
I’ve just settled into an apt. in Mexico for the next five months. I’ve brought all my research and photos for at least five articles(1,500-2K words) and tomorrow I’m going to start getting the first olive out of the jar. After that, the rest usually come out easily. Just getting started is always my biggest hurdle. It’s like psyching myself up to jump into cold water. Once I’m in, it doesn’t feel so cold, but, dammit, it takes everything I’ve got to make the leap!
Yes, getting started is always the hardest part for me, too. I like dipping my toe in the water a little before diving in the next day. It sounds like you’re a lot braver than me!
Happy writing, Diane, and thank you for stopping by.
Hi Henneke,
I loved your little anecdote about cycling. Interestingly, I cycled from Cape Town to Cairo four years ago and had a very similar experience….on several occasions!
When you say that overthinking can kill, can I ask if you end up with many pieces of writing or content that you don’t want to publish? More specifically, is there somewhere useful to “send” this kind of content?
Many thanks for the great article!
Derek
Hi Derek
Wow, from Cape Town to Cairo — that sounds like a fascinating cycling adventure!
I rarely end up with content I don’t publish. I force myself to finish a piece to my satisfaction and do whatever it takes to turn any draft, no matter how bad it feels, into good content.
I have tried in the past to write a couple of drafts so I’d have something to fall back on, but it didn’t work because as soon as I have started the next piece, I’ve lost interest into another draft. So, I don’t allow myself to start a new blog post if I haven’t finished the previous one yet. I’m not suggesting this is how everyone must work—you have to find out what works for you.
Yes your words Correct 100%
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Chooki 🙂
Hi Henneke,
Thanks for sharing. I have struggled to get projects finished. I often start with a lot of energy but over time that dissipates. That has left me with a long list of unfinished projects.
I think the tips you shared here will help me create a new strategy :).
Thanks
Hi Daniel — there’s another trick I’ve used in the past (but not for the project I mentioned in this blog post) and that’s narrowing the scope of your project so you can ship.
Sometimes, it’s better to work towards a deadline and do the best you can within the time available.
Good luck!
Sounds like a good idea.
Thanks again!
Right on time, Henneke. I generally skip straight to the anxiety and fumble through that stage, when I should really connect with my heart first. Looking forward to seeing what happens when I spend some time on step 1. Thanks!
Connecting with my heart has really helped me sustain my motivation when I hit a tough spot in my writing because I knew I really wanted to finish this no matter what.
Happy writing, Stacia! And thank you for stopping by.
I also want to be able to achieve my dream writing project. It takes a lot of focus, commitment, and concentration to get it done. The tip to do things one step at a time is awesome, thank you. It does not seem as scary when one looks at the next single step rather than look at the entire remaining journey needed to finish the project.
Yes, that’s it. Go one step at a time and enjoy the journey. Thank you for stopping by, Apichet.
Thank you very much Henneke
It has motivated me to start with my project and leave aside the thoughts that always go round in my head and do not let me move forward, very good words thanks.
Thank you so much for your comment, Patricia. It makes me happy to know you feel motivated to start your project. That why I like blogging 🙂
What a great article. It’s so easy to allow yourself to overthink things, especially when it comes to creating new content.
I am guilty of overthinking things and this leads to my procrastination, a true killer of success.
Thanks for this motivational push. I will keep this close to remind me to just take the first step in my journey and see where it leads me.
You’re not the only one. I think “overthinking” is a habit that most of us (perhaps all of us?) have to unlearn.
Thank you for stopping by, David.
Motivation is the basis of the action.
Thank you for this pearl, Henneke.
Eric @Moon Marketing
Yes, and it becomes a virtuous circle because action also trigger motivation. Great way to keep momentum.
Great post and I particularly liked the part where you took a long hard look at your inner critic.
I’m a Hypnotherapist, Counsellor and Life Coach in London and I see a lot of limiting beliefs and ‘inner critic talk’ with clients.
As a way of ‘giving back’ here is a little exercise you can try at home regarding your ‘inner critic’ and it’s a way of moving forward.
Hope it helps you and this community.
Thanks again Henneke.
Best wishes,
James
https://youtu.be/gMtt20lkau8
Thank you for adding that, James. I’ve also read about this technique in Kirstin Neff’s book on self-compassion.
For me, practicing mindfulness, drawing my inner critic and writing about her have made the biggest impact on becoming a more joyful writer.
Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you Henneke.
As always.. you have a way with words.
Beautifully written and so motivating. … Yes! Overthinking… my biggest enemy. Thanks for the encouragement and all the best on your project. See you there.
I think a lot of us struggle with overthinking. I’m not sure whether people who write are more prone to overthinking or whether everyone does so.
Thank you for stopping by, Ken. I appreciate it.
You rock, Henneke. Well done, in the midst of all that adversity. Bring it on!
Thank you, Kitty. It feels more like shuffling than rocking, but either way, I’ll get there, too!
Hello, from Zambia, Africa.
I have been wallowing in my self doubt for far too long.
I wrote the introduction to a book months ago, but I have been unable to get passed that point. I simply over think things.
Thank you for the much needed motivation!
Hello, Kondwani,
I’m impressed—you’ve already written an intro, which for me is the most difficult part, so I often leave it until last. I hope you get going again!
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
So, what’s the remedy if there are so many ideas/concepts swimming around in your head that it actually keeps you awake at night? I keep a daily journal which lists detailed events of each day, write an opinion column for a small town newspaper, am currently working at the publication of my first manuscript while scripting two others and often wake at 4:00a to write philosophical quotes (sometimes pages) that seem to come from nowhere but prevent me from resting.
Have you tried a shutdown ritual?
At the end of each day, we have unfinished work, and unfinished work has a habit of swirling around in our head. A shutdown ritual can help unwind. I review my day, plan tomorrow and then switch off my computer to relax—I usually read fiction.
In his book “Deep Work,” Cal Newport describes ending his shutdown ritual with saying the words “shutdown complete” as a cue to let go if work-related thoughts.
It sounds like you’re writing a lot!
Hi B.G….I suffered from Racing Thought-Idea Syndrome too. Meditating and deep yin yoga helped me expand my awareness, so I could see ideas-thoughts as being little energy waves incapable of keeping me awake. No big deal. Just little things that come and go. If the thoughts keep you awake, you are adding heavy weight-feeling to them, and that weight has to go to allow you to sleep and to become REALLY prolific. I’ve written millions and millions of words since getting rid of Racing Thoughts-Ideas Syndrome. Plus I sleep better, too 🙂 All the best.
Yes, great point, Ryan. Meditation / mindfulness helped me let go, too. Works great in combination with a shut down ritual.
#1 is the secret to my success and my way cool life, circling the globe, Henneke. Everybody is so caught up in mind and its goals, like money and blog traffic and clients, and they ignore their heart. When the heart will help you live your dreams, in spectacular fashion. You will complete your projects when you work your projects from the heart. Excellent post buddy.
Thank you, Ryan. The idea of listening to my heart used to be alien to me, but I’m glad I’ve learned 🙂
Thank you again Henneke, for your helpful insights about working through your own struggles. So brave and so helpful.
This post reminded me again that limited energy, limited time, and chronic health issues do not make our writing and business goals impossible. I needed that reminder.
As for big writing goals, I’m starting small and moving forward in tiny steps like you recommend. I think for people like us, who have high motivation to get tired or overwhelmed easily this is really the way to go, because one small step is doable and it leads to another, until you’ve accomplished more than you realize you could.
My goal this week is to write my second article for a local magazine. This one is a challenge for me because I’m on a tight deadline, and it includes covering an in-person event.
I’m also trying to keep to an every other week schedule with my blog, which I started this January. I’m currently testing out different subjects, to see what people want to read.
My next big goal is to get my first business client, and I would really like to write my first case study.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
That’s an impressive set of goals, Diane. Go for it!
I appreciate your stopping by to share your story.
Hi Henneke – After reading the previous blog posts I don’t feel so alone. We writers all suffer the inner enemy of self-doubt.
My “magic wand” is a good friend and experienced writer/researcher who helps me stay focused on context when I seize up.
Thanks again for your insight.
Isn’t it amazing how a discussion with a friend / experience writer can help us get unstuck? This was a real eye-opener for me.
Thank you for stopping by again, Paul! 🙂
O boy, can I relate to this post!
I’ve been working on my author marketing course for over two years, and beating myself up because it isn’t done yet!
A great reminder to go slow and steady as in Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for your words of wisdom!
I’m glad you can see light at the end of the tunnel because that sounds like a great incentive to keep going and finish the course. Good luck, Susan!
By the way, I skipped teaching a blogging course this Autumn, so I could at last finish the course. Otherwise, I reckon it would have taken me three years.
Thank you thank you Henneke,
I planned a long time ago to start writing my biography and this November was my starting point. You gave me courage to start my first step.
Thank you for you generosity.
Wow, sounds like this blog post coincides perfectly with your plans. Happy writing, Marthe!
Mine is to finally start working on a book of folklore and ghost stories! I blog about it every week but I’m always scared to commit to a book since there are people better qualified than me to publish about it…
I don’t know how you define “better qualified” but what about your storytelling skills, your voice? If you’ve been blogging about folklore and ghost stories week in week out, then you seem perfectly qualified to write a book, too. Go for it!
Fun fact: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is not a Chinese proverb. It was first quoted in an old movie by Honolulu detective Charlie Chan.
Love your posts!
That surprises me. If I remember correctly, during my Chinese studies, I was taught that this proverb comes from the Dao Te Ching, which I imagine is a bit older than detective Charlie Chan?
Hi Henneke,
Perfect timing, as always. I’m stuck with every one of the issues you’ve mentioned, and maybe a few more. Would love to get back on my metaphorical bike, fitting regular blog posts into my schedule. Thanks and HELP!! ??
Hi Nomi
I’ve heard this from so many previous course participants. I’d love you to get back on your metaphorical bike! 🙂
Henneke,
Congratulations on nearing the finish line with your project!
You’ve hit on so many of the issues that are holding me back. My inner critic exploits my insecurities and creates evil mantras that flood my brain.
I begin writing and feel SO bad about myself because I start comparing myself to other clever writers who’ve been writing for years.
I marvel at creative plays on words and feel inept if I can’t come up with something catchy. It’s silly and irrational but it happens. I’ve taken your courses so I should know better.
Miring myself in comparisons has paralyzed me. It’s created full idea notebook, blank page syndrome.
Thank you for giving of yourself in this post and inspiring me to stop torturing myself over this writing inertia. I’m going to try to write again.
Thank you, Yvonne. It’s feeling so good to finally get close to the finish line!
You’re not alone in dealing with writing inertia. I’ve heard from so many people who are finding the same issues. Writing can be tough.
You’re so creative with words and you have so many ideas to share. Please start writing again. Perhaps give yourself permission to write a crappy draft first?
Thank you for sending email to me I’m really excited to see. So long I was trying to learn writing course. This is the right time.
Just to avoid misunderstandings, the course I’m launching next week isn’t so much about learning how to write—it’s not about teaching writing techniques, but more about nurturing the mindset and habits to write regularly and also how to streamline your writing process.
Words of practical wisdom and encouragement for a beginner.Thank you for your inspiring experience as a writer.
Thank you, Bheemaray. Happy writing!
I can so relate to your process, Henneke! I too have (severe) issues with low energy and chronic pain, yet even on days where I only have 10 minutes worth of energy, I write. And each 10 minutes takes me closer to finishing my writing projects. It requires patience and resilience, and that’s why it’s so important to have your heart in it (and people to support you). Oh, and we may even have passed each other on Canal du Midi last year. We used to live around there for 5 months during the year 🙂 Thanks for the inspiring post! Great reminders. Now back to writing. I have a new course I’m working on 😉
In my corporate career, I’d have found the idea of connecting with my heart rather alien. But since I work for myself, I’ve learned it’s so important. My inner motivation and curiosity sustain me on long term projects.
Good luck with writing your course, Madelleine. And thank you for stopping by!
Loved your comment Maddeleine,
There are days and weeks when I wonder if I’m cut out for this. But I’m constantly inspired by hearing from people whose health and energy challenges are worse than mine, and who still do it. Good for you!
I too am a fan of tiny work sessions when I don’t feel I can do very much. They do add up and add momentum.
Thank you Henneke.
Perfectly timed at a horror of a day here! And beautifully written, straight to the point, and to the heart 🙂 as always.
I’m sorry about your horror day, Rachel. That horror shall pass, too, even if it might not feel that way.
Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate it 🙂
What a wonderful way to motivate… it’s sooo true about battling yourself, the rational head suppressing what the heart is trying to tell us. You’ve given me courage to start my own thousand miles journey… thank you
Yay! Good luck on your journey, Petra 🙂