Chapter 1: Breaking Through Inner Barriers

In my initial writing endeavors, I found myself drawn to recounting stories from my past. Memories of lost loves and reflections on my mother’s passing this year became my primary inspiration. Questions of greatness never crossed my mind; I simply wrote. Each narrative often brought tears, yet I persevered until completion.

As I shifted my focus to subjects that ignited my passion—technology, photography, and psychology—my inner critic grew increasingly vocal. The pressure to craft the perfect narrative became overwhelming, stifling my creativity and productivity. As Xin Xin wisely notes, “Perfection stifles creativity and productivity.”

To combat this, I set myself a goal: to write ten stories with one simple rule—just write. If I fixated on publishing them, I knew I wouldn’t complete the task. I began with an article about a recent discovery regarding a useful feature in Google Chrome. This revelation made me reconsider purchasing an additional monitor.

For days, I had been searching for the ideal second monitor, believing it would enhance my remote work environment and boost my writing productivity. However, the excitement stemming from my discovery allowed me to complete the article in just an hour.

Why You Should Not Buy A Second Monitor in 2021

You Already Own a Second Screen—Your Phone!

The swift completion of that piece surprised me, as if the muse had conspired to help me achieve my daily writing goal. The next article I tackled focused on lofi music, which I had recently discovered while searching for non-distracting tunes. My inner critic insisted that I needed the right background music to enhance my productivity.

Crafting this narrative took longer because I wanted to share my affinity for Japanese Lo-Fi music. I learned that listening to foreign melodies helped me concentrate, as familiar songs often led my thoughts astray, causing me to drift into memories rather than stay focused on writing.

What Does Lofi Mean?

Lo-Fi Music: My Secret to Focusing During Writing Sessions

This led me to continue writing, culminating in a piece about productivity. After completing my ten stories, I was met with a familiar inner voice questioning my productivity for the day. I confidently affirmed my accomplishments, silencing that critical voice.

How to be Productive Without Feeling the Guilt About Productivity

Productivity advice need not be complex. Ask yourself if you have to do more than what is required of you.

To my surprise, all three stories received positive feedback and were curated. It was an unexpected affirmation, almost as if the universe was patting me on the back—“Well done!”

Screenshot by the Author: From Impossible to I'm Possible

If you are grappling with self-doubt, remember that greatness doesn’t emerge overnight. To become a writer, one must embrace two fundamental practices: read extensively and write prolifically. As Stephen King famously stated, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

Avoid the invisible editor from hell. While I do not advocate for mediocrity, the writing process is a journey of learning and growth. These articles, while far from perfect, have been published to mark progress. The more I write, the more I hone my craft. I chose not to let my inner critic stifle my creativity.

Ultimately, my aspiration is to be both a productive writer and a compelling storyteller. Every great tale has a beginning, often starting with a single heartfelt word. I firmly believe that both you and I possess the potential to tell our stories. I would love to read your “not-so-great” or perfect tales—feel free to share your links in the comments!

From an aspiring writer ... yet!

Chapter 2: Finding Motivation in Community

The first video, "Don't Have to Be Great to Start but You Have to Start to be Great | Creator Motivation," emphasizes that the journey of creation is more valuable than perfection. It encourages viewers to take the first step without the pressure of immediate excellence.

The second video, "You Don't Need a Good Idea You Need a God Idea," inspires creators to rethink their approach to ideas and creativity, reminding us that the pursuit of greatness can start from the simplest concepts.