21 Comments
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Ben Bednarek's avatar

Late to the party here. But some of the best advice I ever received changed my approach to writing: We should take pride in our writing because it's a visual representation of how we think. Maintaining the discipline to write well and often is a great form of self-respect in several ways. It helps develop and maintain cognitive ability. And at the very least... it stops some of us from broadcasting to the world that we're idiots! Writing is certainly hard work. It only gets harder when done with the requisite focus and intent.

More importantly, PhDs who demand others call them doctor should be required to update one document/I.D. at the DMV for each offense, or an equally inhumane sentence.

Chris Jenkins's avatar

Good stuff here. Your article makes me think about how we underestimate how much we can accomplish in a year but over estimate what we can do in a session.

Matt Cyr's avatar

Enjoyed this one! It was crazy reading the part in your post about discipline and writing being like exercise. My next post is all about that in a bigtime way. I’m kinda blown away the PhD even refuted that at all.

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Yeah I was certainly taken aback. Look forward to reading yours!

Travis Robbins's avatar

It’s looking like we will be talking about life on other planets this week!

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Still time left!!

Moorea Maguire's avatar

"Black licorice is for people who hate happiness." Bwahahaha

I'm trying to get better at publishing every week. Instead, I'm such a perfectionistic over-thinker that I've been publishing more like once a month. :(

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Well you certainly put a lot of research into your writing so I can see how that takes time. And I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read of yours so far! Thanks for reading and commenting!

Moorea Maguire's avatar

Thanks Henny, that means a lot to me.

Chris Jenkins's avatar

I understand that struggle. I’ve heard that “complete beats perfect.” I’m trying to get into a rhythm of publishing but it’s hard to stop editing and put it out there!

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Oh man I totally agree Chris. But like I wrote: pick a reasonable goal for publication for yourself. Minimal. Doable. Then do it, come hell or high water. If it sucks it sucks, who cares - you’ll get better. Everyone gets better when they try and are consistent. Thanks so much for reading!!

Tim Dawkins's avatar

"She said that writing was easy because it was work you do with your brain but that working out was hard because it was physical."

Clearly this person has never felt the pain of writing for an (alleged) audience.

Angie Maher's avatar

Yes! I’m starting small, even though I need massive change. I know if I try to start with too much, I simply will become frustrated and stop. So slow and steady is definitely my choice. Plus my body can’t take what it used to…so I will definitely go with baby steps this go ‘round.

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Yeah I definitely wrote that from experience. I used to always bite off more than I could chew!

Angie Maher's avatar

I’m simply too old for that anymore.

Jenn Schuessler's avatar

Funny, Henny, I need to make big changes, otherwise they don't stick. Then, its like a domino effect leading to other changes, both big ones and little ones. I say whatever works for you! 💪

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

For sure, different strokes for different folks! Thanks for reading!!

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Welcome to the party Ben! And thanks for the comments. Lord knows I need to develop my cognitive abilities after all those blows to the head 🤪

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

That’s interesting Chris. I know I for one definitely over estimate what I can get done in a day!