Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
So you don’t know how to write? You have more potential than you think.
However, the more important need you have for writing, the odds are higher that you either freeze from writer’s block or that you’re uncertain about grammar.
Don’t let that stop you. In all phases of business, communication is vital. That includes knowing how to write.
Don’t waste time or energy by thinking you can’t.
Here are seven tips for writing:
1. Change your mindset.
Write out the affirmation, ” I am able to write and write well.” Post it at home on your bathroom mirror, dresser or nightstand. Recite it whenever possible.
2. Avoid paralysis from analysis.
You’re probably worried about being perfect. The keyword in the sentence is “worried.” Worry stems from fear.
Fear can also be used as an acronym for “frantic effort to avoid responsibility.”
So just do it. Start writing. You can always edit your work later. But just do it.
3. Talk to yourself as you would a friend.
What are your thoughts regarding your topic? As though you’re talking to a buddy, talk to yourself about your thoughts. This will get your energy flowing in the right direction.
4. Write your thoughts — one thought at a time.
Don’t worry about the order of your thoughts, just write. You don’t have to write the beginning yet. (Ideally, you would prioritize your thoughts, but don’t worry about doing it now until you become accomplished.)
Keep a pencil and paper handy. When you get a thought, write it down. You can transfer it to your computer later.
In this Digital Age, you have an easier task than you would have had several decades ago. As recently as the 1960s and early 1970s, manual typewriters were widely used. It wasn’t possible to cut and paste.
If you’re concerned about your flow of words, remember you can always cut and paste to form your paragraphs and sentences.
Keep taking notes so you don’t omit any important thoughts.
5. Your homework should include research.
If you’re not confident it’s usually because you haven’t completely sorted out the necessary details. So double check everything.
In this way, your thoughts will start coming together. Translate your thoughts into short sentences. An economy of words are important to pique the interest of your reader.
6. Eliminate distractions.
Eliminate distractions because they become excuses for not writing. Put your e-mail in offline mode. That goes for the Internet, too.
You can also eliminate distractions by getting in the right writing zone. Start a routine — a place for writing — at a certain time every day.
7. Set goals for writing.
Schedule deadlines for writing. By committing to deadlines and keeping them, writing will become easier.
From the Coach’s Corner, additional tips for writing:
25 Best Practices for Better Business Writing — If you want to accelerate your career or turbo-charge your business, one of your priorities should be good communication. Good writing is necessary in a myriad of ways, including letters, advertising copy and presentations. A lack of writing skills will can hold you back or even hurt your career.
Your Career: 10 Tips for Writing Better Business E-mails — Do you want to be a standout as a business e-mail writer? To enhance your career, it’s important to write effective e-mails and memos. You don’t have to be an English major to write effectively.
Rock in Your Marketing Messages with 5 Writing Tips — In this digital age of consumer overload, words are powerful – if they’re used strategically. The challenge is to help your prospective customers quickly understand your message.
Feeling Less Creative? You’re Not Alone – What to Do — Is it an epidemic? Creative professionals increasingly admit to a decline in their effectiveness and children’s creativity has also waned, according to two studies.
Make Your Blogging, Social Media and PR Work to Attract Fans — Businesspeople have discovered social media is a work in progress. It takes huge amounts of time, not only to implement innovations, but to succeed.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
-Chinese philosopher Laozi
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