Write as if You’re Learning How to Walk

Summary

The article encourages aspiring writers to adopt the persistent and unselfconscious learning approach of toddlers when embarking on their writing journey.

Abstract

The text draws a parallel between the process of learning to write and a toddler's journey to walking. It suggests that writers should not be deterred by insecurity or the fear of judgment, just as babies are not hindered by such concerns when learning to walk. The article emphasizes that writing should be viewed as a continuous learning experience, where daily practice and resilience in the face of setbacks are key to improvement. It advises writers to focus on personal growth and the joy of writing itself, rather than external validation, and to ignore criticism as they hone their craft.

Opinions

Writers are conditioned to be insecure and overly concerned with others' opinions, which can stifle their writing.
The determination and confidence observed in toddlers learning to walk should be emulated by writers.
Writing regularly, rather than sporadically, is crucial for development.
Initial lack of skill in writing is normal and should not lead to shame or giving up, as it is part of the learning process.
The primary goal of writing should be personal satisfaction and improvement, not the approval of an audience.
Enjoying the process of writing is more important than the reception of the work.

Learn from toddlers.

Are you interested in writing but don’t know what to write about? Are you not confident that you can write? Have you tried writing and received ZERO claps and gave up without a second thought?

You know you are NOT BORN THIS WAY. You LEARN to become insecure. You are CONDITIONED to care about what others think of you.

You’d still be crawling if you cared about what other people think of you as a baby.

Ever watch a one-year-old learning how to walk? As toddlers learn how to walk, they are determined, confident, and constantly working on learning and improving. They don’t try to walk one morning and sit it out for the rest of the day.

They don’t practice walking once a week.

They don’t give up if they fall a hundred times an hour.

They don’t feel ashamed or insecure.

They know their goal, and they know how to reach it.

Goal = walk on two legs without help. How to reach the goal = practice walking every chance I get.

They are struggling to walk but are enjoying the journey.

Reflect this on your writing journey.

Writing is not the end goal; it’s the journey.

Forget about people, and focus on what you are getting out of your writing experience.

Improve by writing every day, not once a month.

You will probably suck at first. That’s okay. You fell a thousand times learning how to walk. This is part of the process. Writing is like any other skill. You need to practice.

Ignore haters.

Enjoy the journey.