Something Magic Happens When You Let Go

I’ve been writing for most of my life. When I was a kid I loved to write stories, plays and songs. As an adult, I’ve published books, blogs, and poems. I’ve discovered a thing or two about writing along the way. I know where the magic hides and how you can find it.

Throughout my writing life I’ve both struggled and been prolific. I’ve also learned why we sometimes struggle as writers. It’s simple. We struggle to write when we try too hard. If you want something to be perfect, you’re less likely to create anything at all.

The Key to Great Writing Is to Let Go

I recently wrote a bunch of great poems that will potentially become songs. It only took me about an hour. That’s funny because I’ve been struggling to write a song recently. I’ve sat frustrated with guitar in hand several times over the past few months.

However, once I decided to simply sit down and write, I just did it. It didn’t matter what I wrote about or even if I thought the poems were any good. I just wrote. In the end, the poems are good and will make unique and creative songs.

This is something I teach my students when we work on brainstorming exercises. Don’t be critical of your ideas. Just write down whatever comes to your mind even if you think it’s stupid. Honestly, this is when the magic happens. If it truly is stupid, you can throw it away later.

Here are a few things you should remember:

  • Don’t worry about perfection. It doesn’t exist.
  • Your wording doesn’t matter. It can always be changed.
  • Few ideas are really stupid ideas. Let go and write whatever you’re thinking.
  • Don’t fear judgment. If someone doesn’t like your work, it’s their problem.
  • Experimentation is the key to originality.

The Magic Happens in the Act of Doing

When we give up the idea of trying and actually start doing, we get something done. I encourage you to do the same. This applies to more than writing. It applies to anything in which you falsely believe you have to be in the right mood or work at the right time.

Whether you’ve been putting off exercise or finishing that short story, the magic happens when you let go of any hesitations. Just start now. Don’t have have preconceived expectations. Don’t continually doubt or check yourself as you go. You might be surprised with what you create.

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