Go Low, Slow And Steady. And You'll Reach Your Writing Milestones Quicker.
Art For Art's Sake: Part 8
Little drops of water,
Make the mighty ocean.
- Julia Carney, Little Things
The other day, I watched Matt D'Avella's video 10 things college doesn't teach you. During the Basis Fitness Advice section, something caught my ears.
Go low, slow and steady. You need to remove your ego from the equation.
While Matt here was talking about maintaining a regular fitness regime, I think this advice applies to all aspects of our lives. Including our writing or creative journey.
When I started my writing journey, I wanted to write a novel.
Very quickly, I realised that I wasn't competent enough yet. I had some serious and deep learning to do. Both in the craft of writing and of being a human being.
Now that I have removed the ego part of the equation, I am much better and growing competent each day.
Earlier I innocently thought it would feel good to tell others I write novels.
Now, I don't worry about the others. Now I focus on feeling good while writing.
Writing, or any creative endeavour, is for its own sake.
If you're indulging in any creative activity for the name, fame or money, then you aren't doing justice to the craft.
Once you remove the ego, you realise that you don't need to rush anything. You get the confidence that you can make it. As long as you stay the course and keep fine-tuning your craft.
Back in September 2021, when I started this newsletter/publication, I wanted to make sure I made it so simple and easy for me to stick to the routine that not committing to it would be a sin.
I aimed lower than the rate I expected to write or expected to grab your attention.
I made sure I didn't rush any of my writing. I take as long as I need to write my articles.
And I made sure I had a steady drip into the content world, therefore building my archive and slowly gathering my readers.
When I was started this routine, I thought I would slow down my progress. That it would take me a year to get noticed.
Surprisingly and thankfully, that wasn't the case.
Matt, too, mentions this in his video -
Ironically, the slower that you start, the quicker that you can build momentum.
Going through my slow routine
helped me build my archive,
helped me gain confidence in my own skills and capabilities,
helped me improve my writing,
helped me believe that I truly am a writer,
helped me grow my audience - from 6 new followers per month to 130+ new followers per month, over four months,
helped me grow my views - from 40 views per month to 7000 views per month.
This gives me the hope to stay the course.
If I had aimed too high and wanted it fast, I would have fallen flat on my face.
Instead, I am moving at an unhurried pace yet progressing (therefore keeping myself sane) in a rhythm that's aligned with my authentic nature and my ultimate goal of being a writer.
Going low, slow and steady doesn't mean you are forever stuck in that pace. Once you master this level, you are free to level up.
And therefore, I know, slowly and gradually, I will reach my goal.
Here's my parting message-
Give yourself grace and kindness.
Give yourself some break.
Get your ego out of the way.
Go low, slow and steady.
Level up when ready.
More in the Art For Art’s Sake Series -
Your Job As A Writer Is To Write
To Build Your Writing Career, Start Small.
What Does It Mean To “Trust The Process?”
Consistency Will Help You Make A Breakthrough
You Must Stay Persistent With Your Creative Journey
Deliberate Practice Is The Key To Master The Craft Of Writing
Go Low, Slow And Steady. And You’ll Reach Your Writing Milestones Quicker.
Treat Your Art As An Experiment
If You Are Not Having Fun While Creating, You’re Doing It Wrong
Contrary To Popular Belief, Write For Yourself First
Comparison And Competition Will Hurt Your Writing
Rest Is Your Answer To A Productive Writing Session
Let Curiosity Lead Your Writing - And 2 Ways Of Doing It
You Need To Have Faith And Let Your Words Flow
Always Move On To Your Next Writing Project
Once You Choose To Become A Writer, You Are One For Life.
You Already Are A Writer. You Just Have To Identify As One To Yourself.
