The real reason you are holding back

Think. Write. Lead. - Issue #36

Good to see you again, my friend! I hope you are ready for this new issue of Think.Write.Lead. where I talk about one of my favorite author’s wrong thinking, how to destroy mental frameworks, and how to unleash your creativity. Sounds like a lot, right? Don’t worry, I’ll be brief.

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Just the other day I was listening to an audiobook by one of my favorite nonfiction authors.

To my surprise, he said one of his dreams has always been to write a novel, but he hasn’t done it because he figures it would take him 10 to 15 years to learn how to write fiction.

What in the world?

Here’s a guy who’s written multiple NYT bestsellers, knows a lot (and I mean A LOT) about storytelling, and he says he can’t write a novel. 🤷

I’ve written a few novels myself and it’s fun hard work, but not an impossible task.

Many people write novels (mostly bad ones, but a few are gems) every day.

So why would a professional author (I’ll tell you who it is in a minute) hold back?

Let's talk about your self-talk...

My hypothesis is that he built a mental framework for learning how to write and that framework is holding him back.

It took him years, perhaps decades, to become the nonfiction writer he is today.

And he assumes he would have to start from zero (and take just as long) to learn the craft of fiction writing.

But that’s not the case. He can build on top of what he knows already and write an amazing novel.

Just like rules, frameworks are meant to be broken.

This may sound odd coming from someone who insists on building frameworks as a prerequisite for thought leadership.

But oftentimes, you must tear down the old to come up with the new.

And that’s true even for writers and thought leaders.

Writing like a thought leader means innovating, trying new things, questioning paradigms and challenging your own beliefs.

Hopefully, Donald Miller (yes, that’s the author I’m talking about) will one day break through his limiting framework and publish a fantastic work of fiction.

But let’s make this personal. Let’s make it about you.

THINK.

Let’s try a framework destruction exercise.

• What is one thing you have told yourself you can never do but would really love to do?

• What is an area you wish you would know more about but have not studied because it seems too far removed from your area of expertise?

• What are some hobbies or creative pursuits you have placed in the “one day” bucket and have been there for years?

WRITE.

Grab a blank piece of paper and divide it into three columns. Then, pick one of your answers from the THINK section and do the following:

1. On the left column, write down 3 to 5 reasons you have not pursued it.

2. On the middle column, in front of each reason, write a statement refuting it.

3. On the right column, write an action item to overcome your excuse.

For example, let’s say that you want to write a book. Here’s something you could write…

• Column 1 (Reason/Excuse): I don’t have time to write a book.

• Column 2 (Rebuttal): Busier people than me are writing books and more. So I can do it as well.

• Column 3 (Action item): Estimate how much time it would actually take to write the book and what my daily commitment would be.

Note: The truth is that you only need to invest one hour per day (weekends off) during three months to finish the first draft of your book.

Do the same for your other delayed dreams and forsaken goals.

LEAD.

You are capable of more than you give yourself credit for.

You can be a prolific writer, a successful solopreneur, a world-changing thought leader.

All you have to do is build the right mindset with the right mental frameworks.

Unleash your creativity, let your full potential shine.

The universe is waiting. And I’m rooting for you.

P.S. If your dream is to actually write a book, I’ve discounted my course Write your First Business Book in 90 Days by 50%. Get it today before the price goes up again. 

Brilliant ideas are coming!

Recommended Resource

Write Your First Business Book in 90 Days - Diego Pineda

Even if you have little or no time to write, you’re not a skilled writer, and your book idea is half-baked.

diegopineda.ca  •  Share