Summary

Writing challenges help overcome roadblocks in writing and improve the writing process.

Abstract

Writing challenges are a powerful way to develop writing skills and overcome obstacles such as self-judgment and fear. The author, Wendy, shares her experience with writing challenges and how they have helped her improve her writing practice. She emphasizes the importance of gentle determination and letting go of judgment to complete writing challenges.

Opinions

Writing challenges help develop the skill of writing on demand.
Writing challenges require rapid-fire style writing and publishing, which can be difficult for those who tend to judge their writing critically.
Gentle determination is key to overcoming roadblocks in writing challenges.
Letting go of judgment is necessary to complete writing challenges.
Writing challenges inspire self-directed growth and accountability.
Fear-based decisions can prevent people from pursuing their passions and goals.
Writing challenges are a powerful way to develop a writing practice and overcome self-judgment.
The author recommends trying out the AI service ZAI.chat for cost-effective writing assistance.

Writing Challenges Teach You How To Move Past Roadblocks In Your Writing

You might not write better, but you become a better writer in the process

Image by free stock photos from www.picjumbo.com from Pixabay

Writing Challenge KTHT Day 8: Overcoming obstacles with gentle determination

Over the last few months, I’ve taken a liking to writing challenges. Mainly because I’m keenly aware writing on demand is a skill I need to develop. Also, I’m competitive with the old version of me, who didn't see the value in personal challenges.

It’s difficult for me to separate the purpose of a writing challenge, which is to write and publish, instead of writing how I normally do — write and judge.

Typically, I spend a few days on a piece. But a writing challenge urges you to write & publish rapid-fire style — ugh. There's no time to judge with a critical eye, and it's torture on my analytical self.

I tell myself, it's not so much about what you write Wendy, it's about showing up and following through. And it takes a lot of practice.

It also requires you to let go of judgment as a side dish to your writing.

Enter gentle determination.

Although I finished day 7’s post of the writing challenge, I didn't publish it because I’m still judging it — one big roadblock that prevents you from completing a writing challenge.

I moved on to day 8 because my idea of gentle determination is to keep going.

I know what it takes to turn your art into a career; I’ve been down that road before. Here I am again.

Essentially, you have to do the thing when your not in the mood. Your job doesn't care if your feeling uninspired or unmotivated.

No passion today? It doesn't matter — you still need to bring it.

Gentle determination is an art, a science, a practice, and then a habit. It’s also what set’s you apart from who you are and who you want to be.

I avoided doing things I wanted to do for fear of looking stupid and making a fool of myself. So I judged myself without even trying to do some of the things I dreamt of doing.

In the past, when things got difficult, I didn't think twice — I quit and told myself it wasn't meant to be. I lied to myself to justify my feelings. Writing is a path I’ve been on since I was a child, but sharing what you write is different.

Perhaps like some of you, I realized the fear wasn't worth it anymore.

Anything worth creating takes time to grow. Writing is no exception.

Writing challenges are a powerful way to develop your writing practice and shelf judgment that usually accompanies the process.

Challenges we assign to ourselves play a unique role in accountability. They inspire self-directed growth. It’s surprising how many fear-based decisions wiggle their way into our lives.

It’s shocking how quickly fear disappears once you make a courageous decision in favor of yourself. Then, you wonder how and why you waited so long.

My wish for you is that you realize you have everything to gain by naming fear an illusion. It’s a veil between you, your heart’s desires, your purpose, and your success.

Allow gentle determination to guide your decisions. You have nothing to lose besides outmoded beliefs about yourself.

Your gifts await you in the cool vista of creativity, trust, and the freedom to choose.