How To Deal With Self Criticism as a Writer
“Say whatever you want, research it properly, and write fast. Never look back. If you interrupt the writing of fast narrative with too much introspection and self-criticism you will be lucky if you write 500 words a day and you will be disgusted with them into the bargain.”
- Ian Flemming
We've all had days where we wanted to write, but we find ourselves disgusted with our words. Doubting even your good work is called "Imposter syndrome."
This is something I've struggled with as well. Especially since gaining an audience online. After writing over 100 articles and gaining 70,000 twitter followers, I hold my content to a higher standard. Which means more quality and less quantity.
I am constantly writing, even if I'm not always hitting publish. And that's a shame.
The solution to this problem is to simply write. As Flemming states, you need to write it out and write fast.
You can either be a creative writer or a harsh critic, but don't do both at the same time or nothing will get done.
Lately what has helped me write more consistently is to write in Evernote, or in a notebook. This helps me enjoy the act of writing without worrying about public judgment. And when I'm finished, I can decide if it's worthy of hitting publish. Even if it's not, the act of writing is good practice and can generate interesting ideas.
So which is best? Evernote or a physical notebook? Both have their own unique advantages.
Sean Connery talking to James Bond creator Ian Flemming
Evernote has the advantage of being easier to save. Even if you forget about it, you can easily search through your digital "notes" on Evernote. Whereas the writings in a notebook have the tendency to get lost among the rest of your notes.
The notebook leads to more creative and free form writing. This can be sloppy but also more interesting. It's the least refined form of writing. But this raw form leads to more soulful thoughts.
Most of my editing takes place after I've written my first draft, and often on a different day. The first step is to simply get the message you want to convey on paper. After that, you can criticize your own work. You can't edit a blank page.
Writing for Authenticity
The biggest problem with "aspiring writers" is the lack of authenticity. Most writers don't write for themselves. Instead, they obsess over writing what their audience wants to hear. The biggest struggle all writers face is balancing writing what the audience wants to hear with what they need to hear.
This problem is exacerbated by social media. The subtle nudging of analytics, likes, clicks and negative comments can shift your intended message into a message crafted by committee. This robs your writing of it's soul and it's punch.
Taken to extremes, this leads to basic platitude accounts. These soulless accounts no longer write from the heart. They merely repeat tired old platitudes that resonate with the algorithm. I'll bet they have Live, Love, Laugh stenciled onto their living room wall.
At first they share what they want to say. But as the dopamine kicks in, the algorithm rewards them for writing "popular content." Which happens to be platitudes. These are fine... in moderation. Some writers let the platitudes consume them like the symbiote from Venom.
How do you write authentically when the masses, the algorithms and even your own laziness are encouraging this lazy form of writing?
You need to find your own voice. And you need to speak from your own voice.
This means finding a source of content that will inspire deeper and more meaningful thoughts. I keep a running list of sources for my own personal inspiration.
Too many people copy what others are doing, often on twitter, and this leads to many faceless Twitter accounts and authors sounding like everybody else. This is the problem with writing anonymously online. If you can't find a way to make your voice unique, you blend in with the other faceless writers.
To stand out, you need to develop your own unique voice, living an interesting life and consistently deliver the best content.
The best content is always inspired by real life actions. Hemingway says you must be an observer. When you go out in the world, be present. Notice the little things that most people think of as window dressing. This background noise might strike up inspiration for a new idea.
Next, you must apply your own spin to what you observe. Anyone can make obvious observations. How will you add your own unique voice to what you see. Find a way to make it interesting, relatable or funny and you'll entertain your reader.
And if all else fails, go spear fishing, have a couple of pink gins and see what type of story that will create.
If you enjoyed this article, then you'll love the private group for highly motivated men. Click here to apply for membership.
Find brotherhood in The Spartan Tribe!
The handbook for young men everywhere who are lost and need direction and guidance in life.
It is never too late to change your life. What can you do today to improve yourself?
This book will
- Help you create your life mission
- Understand red flags in women
- Develop healthy habits
- Gain self-confidence
- Become a more interesting man
- Live a life of excellence
Challenge yourself by reading this book and implement its advice into your own life. I have 20 steps here for the modern man to make meaningful changes to his life as well as details about how to take these steps and put them into action.
Change your mindset. Change your life.
Society needs warriors to step up.
This is the Private Telegram Channel for Motivated Men who Embrace Traditional Masculinity.
You wouldn't go to war by yourself, so why do you attack your life by yourself?
You need a support network of strong and motivated men that can help you.
By forming a tribe of men, a brotherhood, you will be inspired to live up to the standards that these men set forth in their own lives. A rising tide lifts all ships.
These men will keep you strong when life can make you feel weak. These men will serve as a powerful network of references, opportunities and collaborators.
These men will hold you accountable and assure you stay on the right path.
What's Included in the Spartan Tribe?
A newfound brotherhood with access to this exclusive men's club
A complimentary copy of Reclaim Your Manhood
Access to a network of highly motivated men that share tips and advice
A complimentary copy of The Warrior's Mindset
The Premium Path To Manliness Newsletter
Monthly Group Zoom calls
What do we talk about here?
Well, masculinity for starters. Fitness. Money and ideas for making money. Most importantly, this will be a high energy group of people that you can depend on for inspiration, motivation and advice. While most of your friends are complaining about missing their sports or gaming all day, this will be a group for real players in the world. Do not join if you are only going to talk baseball stats or the latest video game.
Discover how you can improve your lifestyle by building a side-income
Become stronger, healthier and more motivated with better routines
Network with like-minded individuals and form your own band of brothers
Deprogram yourself from feminized society and embrace your masculinity
When I think of the most interesting people I know, it’s not the hyper-specialized experts in one field. It’s the people who find a unique juxtaposition of different walks of life. I’m drawn to those who can be both physically fit and intelligent enough to write. Two skills that are not that common alone but uniquely rare when found in the same person.