Today, Writers in the Storm (writersinthestormblog.com) published a post I wrote that deals with the reasons we become stuck in our own headlights. In my post, the notes apply to writing, but they also deal with other facets of life where we forget that we don't have to be (and can't be) perfect. Here's the start of the post and a link to the rest.
What’s stopping you from writing?
Embracing Imperfection
by Gale Leach
Months ago, Ellen Buikema invited me to submit a post for Writers in the Storm. Honored, I agreed and began thinking about a suitable topic. Because I lack a history with this group, each time an idea surfaced, I’d search the WITS website and find it—posts on this site are very comprehensive—leaving me hunting for something else. Later, I reneged on my commitment. Ellen said she’d ask again.
The second time I fell short after committing to a blog post on WITS, I felt terrible, but I still hadn’t found a subject that hadn’t been covered. Also, this would be my first article, so I needed it to be good, to be worthy. As a newbie to the group, I felt somewhat intimidated. What made Ellen think I had valuable information to share, anyway?
Time went by, and she asked again. Feeling the trepidation of stepping into the limelight, I vowed once more to do it. I had a lot going on, but I knew the reason I hadn’t produced an article was something else. In the past, I’d always been reliable and could be counted on to come through on time with something extra.
What was wrong now?
Several approaches later, I settled on sharing what I’ve done while trying to conquer my problem—what stood in the way of producing this article. I believed others must share this issue, so solving it should be helpful.
After some self-psychoanalysis, I realized I have the same problem with other things I say I want to do but don’t: playing piano and hammered dulcimer, writing a new book, singing. I could go on. It’s a long list.
Embracing Imperfection
by Gale Leach
Months ago, Ellen Buikema invited me to submit a post for Writers in the Storm. Honored, I agreed and began thinking about a suitable topic. Because I lack a history with this group, each time an idea surfaced, I’d search the WITS website and find it—posts on this site are very comprehensive—leaving me hunting for something else. Later, I reneged on my commitment. Ellen said she’d ask again.
The second time I fell short after committing to a blog post on WITS, I felt terrible, but I still hadn’t found a subject that hadn’t been covered. Also, this would be my first article, so I needed it to be good, to be worthy. As a newbie to the group, I felt somewhat intimidated. What made Ellen think I had valuable information to share, anyway?
Time went by, and she asked again. Feeling the trepidation of stepping into the limelight, I vowed once more to do it. I had a lot going on, but I knew the reason I hadn’t produced an article was something else. In the past, I’d always been reliable and could be counted on to come through on time with something extra.
What was wrong now?
- Fear of the blank page? No. Give me a cursor, and I can write volumes.
- Fear of failure? Possibly. My New England-ish upbringing’s strong work ethic drives me to be the best at whatever I do. When I fall short, I shame myself.
- The need to succeed/be respected? Also possibly. See #2, above.
Several approaches later, I settled on sharing what I’ve done while trying to conquer my problem—what stood in the way of producing this article. I believed others must share this issue, so solving it should be helpful.
After some self-psychoanalysis, I realized I have the same problem with other things I say I want to do but don’t: playing piano and hammered dulcimer, writing a new book, singing. I could go on. It’s a long list.
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