What I Learned That Can Help You

For a writer, I can think of nothing that compares to a good conference. Imagine two to three days filled with sessions, workshops, and panels where authors, publishers, and agents teach and interact with writers of all levels and backgrounds. I was on cloud nine.

The creative energy was electric. Brainstorming sessions resembled a shared-consciousness. Pens scribbled notes and ideas bounced around like racket balls. Sometimes a great idea practically hit you in the head.

New contacts were made and friendships forged. New information was absorbed and unfamiliar ideas explored.

I took the opportunity to listen to some of the most productive writers in the country, and I also visited with several writers just like me, who struggle to get anything completed. And I’ve reached one conclusion. The opposite of productivity is not busyness or laziness. It’s not disorganization, lack of commitment, or even lack of knowledge or inferior talent.

The opposite of productivity is perfectionism. The fear of producing work that is somehow less than that magic ideal that exists in our minds. Fear of making a mistake, offending someone with our words, or just writing something someone doesn’t like paralyzes us.

It’s not a unique problem. It isn’t exclusive to new writers. And it can be overcome. If it’s stopping you from finishing that novel or submitting that article, it’s the first dragon you have to slay. Here are some tips, and they can be applied to more than just writing.

• First, realize that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. Say that out loud. How many good books have you read? Not a single one was written by a perfect person. 
• The more you practice, the better you will get. Kids all over the country practice and compete in sports and have a great time, understanding they’ll probably never attain the level of success of their heroes.
•  Give yourself permission to fail. Unless you’re practicing skydiving or brain surgery, failure probably won’t be fatal. So you wrote a lousy book? Big deal. Write a better one.
• Listen to people who inspire you or cheer for you. Turn off the detractors. They’ll never be satisfied, so don’t bother trying.

Whatever your passion, don’t let the fear of not being good enough get in your way. Find a conference or event where like-minded people gather and soak it up. The inspiration and confidence is contagious.