When I first decided to write a book, I expected to face challenges.
Because any first-time author does. Any first-timer doing anything does. But as you get older, there are fewer “First time I’m trying this!”.
So what surprised me were the side benefits of jumping in. What overcoming the obstacles and getting to the finish line with a book in hand does for you.
Here are a few of my takeaways:
Benefit #1: Knowing you have what it takes
Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of Art, puts it bluntly. Resistance is everywhere, and your battle as a creative is an inner one. That’s why most people don’t try or give up en route. It takes all kinds of work.
Benefit #2: Finding your way in everything digital
Lacking wifi at the time, I wrote my book on a library desktop computer. Where you get a quick warning to re-log on in 5. You don’t want to know what happens if you miss that deadline.
Oh, and then there’s mastering Chrome extensions, Google Docs, cover design, and Word formatting. If in doubt, Google it.
Benefit #3: Connecting with your (younger) tribe
Gotta love ’em. They know their way around the web. You’ve learned other stuff. It’s mutual.
Benefit #4: Ramping up your communication skills
Listening more. Loving language. Seeing patterns. Discovering your voice. What more important skills are there?
Benefit #5: Meeting creative, inspired peers
In a hyper-connected digital world, there’s always a party somewhere.
You can find quiet conversation. Or a moving performance. And new friends with all kinds of talent, eager to help you.
I’ll be writing more. How about you?