Invest in your priorities

Lots of people talk of writing, but fewer actually make the time to 'get around to it.' As you consciously choose to invest in writing as a priority, you will also be investing in your self-growth and your future. Even if you're uncertain about how you will approach a writing project, whether it will be an article, a story, a book, a blog, a column or prose, thinking about the activity is a vital step. Whether you'll ever write for yourself publish is very much up to you. Ask yourself these questions:

1) Why do you wish to write? Are your motives ego-based (self-interested) or more altruistic? Do you wish to serve (raise awareness)? Some people keep a diary or journal to document events, explore emotions or vent negative feelings. Other people write to work through painful experiences or with hopes to initiate reflection or discussion. Still other people engage in automatic writing to communicate with spiritual worlds and to heighten sensitivities. All choices are steps you take to better understand yourself. You may write to help yourself or others or both. Will you seek to generate money? to promote a cause? to educate? to provoke controversy? or, do you have hidden motives? Answers here enable you to identify a clearer course of action. As you narrow your focus, its easier to clarify a path.

2) Which subjects interest you? Ask yourself if you desire to write pure fantasy or concentrate on non-fiction. Topics that enter your mind will inspire you and then, naturally narrow your focus. Do you have real-life experience in this area? Are you well-researched? Have you consulted experts? Are you on a path to follow in someone's footsteps? To get the point, you need to become aware of your priorities.

3) Who will be your readers? Whether you decide to share your material is partly determined by your desired audience. Decide whom your efforts would really benefit; business, organisations, individuals, groups or yourself in terms of personal growth. Will your writing need structure and deadlines? Will your work be voluntary, freelance contract or salaried? Are you writing as part of a therapy exercise, for self-healing or another reason? Is your audience to be very general or specific? Will it be older or younger? Will you reach out to a particular culture, race, religious or community group, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, income bracket or another category of people? After decisions, the next step is to develop self-confidence.