What is NOT writing costing you?

At a recent writing workshop, we got on the topic of excuses.

Discipline. Hard work. And how too many writers talk themselves out of writing for weak reasons.

Then, one of my students named Darlene posed a powerful question:

“What does it COST you to write?”

We all gasped in unison. The room fell silent. It was one of those moments where the inner monologue of every participant probably whispered, Holy crap…!

Don’t you just LOVE questions like that?

I paused for a few additional moments to allow her words to profoundly penetrate the group. Then I came to a realization:

What does it cost you to write? Not much.

Most people would say “time.”

Which actually makes sense…

Writing DOES take time. In fact, that’s the most common reason (er, excuse) people give for their lack of writing. Not enough time.

BUT THEN AGAIN: What else IS there to do with your time?

Seriously. Can you honestly think of a better way to invest your time than to write?

What – television? Really? Are you serious?

How much money did you earn last year by watching television?
How much wisdom did you learn last year by watching television?

ANSWER: Zilch. Zip. Zero. Nada. Niete.

What does it cost you to write? I honestly can’t think of a good answer to that question.

Perhaps a more important question to ask is:

What is NOT writing costing you?

ANSWER: A lot.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not clarifying your ideas.
Which means your ability to articulate those ideas in person will SUCK.

If you’re not writing, that means you’re not listening to yourself.
Which means you’re going get sucked into the vortex of listening to the wrong people.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not learning about yourself.
Which means you’re not going to be able to get any better.

If you’re not writing that means you’re (probably) not blogging.
Which means your competition is (probably) attracting more attention that you.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not releasing your thoughts.
Which means they’re going to find a home somewhere in your body and cause you additional stress.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not going too remember anything.
Which means if you don’t write it down, it never happened.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not doing anything with your thinking.
Which means your brain is getting stale.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not cataloging and enhancing your expertise.
Which means other people are becoming smarter than you.

If you’re not writing that means you’re not tapping into and expanding your creativity.
Which means your ability to solve problems is slowly diminishing.

What is NOT writing costing you?

ANSWER: A lot.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What did you write today?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
For the list called, “10 Reasons (Excuses) You’re NOT Blogging Yet,” send an email to me, and I’ll send you the list for free!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
[email protected]

No time to write?
Can’t finish that book?
Dog ate your last article?

Come to the St. Louis Writing Marathon!

No excuses. Just writing. All day.

I promise it will be the best $20 you’ll spend on your writing career all year.

Learn more at www.writingmarathon.com!