Some Thanksgiving gratitude and reflections on writing this year.

On January 1st, I set a goal to write more. I kept my objective simple, become a better writer. This goal was solely for me. If writing achieved additional personal brand or business benefits, then bonus.

I've been relatively consistent. This usually amounts to 1 to 2 posts per week. I've experimented, made mistakes, and become faster at producing posts. 'Less is more' is a guiding principle.

I have not produced anything viral or mastered the LinkedIn algorithm. I know I should find a lane and specialize, but I'm reluctant as I like subject variety. But in the end, I remind myself this is for me.

No matter how bad my week is, writing is an activity that allows me to move forward with action.

I recently watched a Jonah Hill documentary called Stutz, highlighting unique tools that psychiatrist Phil Stutz uses with his patients. I highly recommend it. One of the tools is called the String of Pearls, and the concept is to keep moving forth with action. Each action is a pearl, no better or worse than the other. And each pearl has a little turd in it, which I will allow you to ponder. Writing is my string of pearls.

But the essential benefit is writing has allowed me to find my voice and truth.

When I started, I had 3 or 4 article ideas sketched out for years. I pressure-tested my theses with friends and had drafts sitting in Evernote. Nothing controversial, right down the middle content. With these early articles, I spent too much time editing and trying to find perfection as my insecurities got the best of me.

After I got through that honeymoon phase, writing got real. Topics became juicier, comments more critical, arguments less polished, and total duds were routine. Ideas I thought would be popular were barely noticed, and vice versa. I found that the genesis of ideas can come from anywhere, often randomly, and I learned the importance of just starting.

Another Stutz tool is writing. His perspective is writing is a bridge to your unconscious self. In my context, sub-conscience business views are finding a path out in the form of content. Themes emerge, and a voice manifests. Good or bad, your truth emerges for all to see, which is both therapeutic and terrifying. Further, your tribe finds you.

So this Thanksgiving day, I'm grateful for LinkedIn for giving me a platform to share ideas. I'm grateful to my friends who comment and like my content, no matter how bad. I'm grateful for Grammarly. And I'm grateful to anyone that has found me and taken the time to read my content.

Now, time to finish cooking and be present with the family.

For those on the fence about writing or sitting on that draft, act and string that first pearl; you won't regret it.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

#writing #therapy #Stutz #strategy

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