4/9/12

The Courage to Write

If you were to ask the average person about something that it would take courage to do, you’d probably hear answers like, “Parachute out of an airplane,” or, “Travel on your own to a foregin country.” Maybe even, “Get up and speak in front of a large group.” But I’d propose something else that takes at least that much courage: writing. Because in my mind, putting down your thoughts into words and presenting it to the world to be examined for the first time is every bit as thrilling as jumping out of an airplane, as new as venturing into unknown territory and as frightening as standing in front of a group of strangers.


So it’s probably why so many people don’t even bother.

It’s not that they don’t have the desire. In fact, one study proposed that nearly 80% of all Americans want to write a book–so whoever you are reading this, that probably includes you–but the bottom line is only 1% even attempt it. It appears that the same fears and doubts that keep us from doing a variety of new things also keep us from writing. “I can’t do something like that.” “I wouldn’t be good enough.” “I don’t know where to begin.” Well, I can’t make you a list of steps that will automatically take you from A to B and help you succeed when it comes to writing, but I can give you a little nudge by reminding you that achieving your dreams isn’t dependant upon when you finish, but when you start.

So find that courage to start . . . and write!