Your writing resolution
It’s January, time of New Year’s Resolutions and hopes for the upcoming year. Do you wish you could finally finish that book you’ve been dreaming of? Have laundry and to-do lists kept you from finding time to write? Here is the #1 best tip I have found to take your writing more seriously, get more done, and be satisfied with the results. And even better, it’s easy!
Step 1: You are a writer
I’d always dreamed of being a professional, career novelist, but in my fifteen-ish years of writing, my efforts had come sporadically. I’d work like mad on a novel when the inspiration struck, then not touch it for months or years while homework or laundry or anything else one-upped writing on the priority list. Then I attended a fabulous seminar by Jamie Raintree that made all the difference. The trick? Think of yourself as a writer.
“I’m a writer.” Say it now! “I am a writer.”
Recognize that your desire to write is important. You have been blessed with a special gift that is worth pursuing. Writing doesn’t have to be “just a hobby” or “something I’ll get around to someday.” It is a worthwhile pursuit. You don’t have to be published to be a writer. You don’t have to get paid to be a writer. You don’t even have to be “good” to be a writer. If you write, you are a writer! Own it!
A writer makes time to write. Recognize your writing as a priority—as valid as any of the other items on your busy schedule—and it will grow. It starts as a simple change in your outlook: decide that you are a writer.
Step 2: You are more than a writer
The identity of a writer is important, but it is not the most important identity.
Since I started thinking of myself as a writer, I have written or revised multiple novels, won awards, launched my online platform, met with dozens of publishing professionals, and invested hundreds of hours a year in writing activities. My productivity has skyrocketed.
And yet lately, my happiness has begun to wane. Sometimes I enjoy writing, sometimes not. Professionals show interest in my work, but don’t go to the next step. I realized that this year, I allowed my progress (and lack thereof) to define my identity as “failed writer”: failed to get published, failed to finish the draft of that other novel, failed to get a following on social media.
So what is the key to happiness as a writer? Is it success? No—I can’t control my success. I’ve done my utmost in the attempt! What I can hold onto is my identity. And I have one even more important than being a writer.
I am a child of God.
My God loves me and has chosen me as His own regardless of my performance. No matter what happens, He is pleased with me, and I can find satisfaction in Him. He’s the only one who can complete my happiness, and no one and nothing can take that away from me.
I am a child of God. This is my true identity, of which being a writer is just a part. It doesn’t matter that my writing dreams haven’t come true (yet!). He’s on this journey with me, and when I rely on Him as my Father, I know I won’t be disappointed.
The key: Identity
So that’s it—the simple trick—identity. Just know who you are, and stand in it.
Calling myself a writer motivates me to be productive and work toward my dream. Knowing that I am a child of God keeps my joy secure in the ups and downs of the writing journey.
Who are you? Will you resolve to stand in that identity this year?
Are you a writer?
Yes? Then write!
Are you a child of God?
Yes? Then rejoice!
No? You can be—all you have to do is ask!
How can you use your outlook and view of yourself to help you achieve your goals this year? Let me know your thoughts and dreams in the comments!