Four reasons to keep writing (even when it’s hard)
Writers are never promised an easy path. Most of us know we have to take our lumps, whether it's writer's block, criticism or ongoing rejection. Dealing with all of this on top of jobs, school, family and other life stuff sometimes leaves us asking why do I write? Here are four good reasons to keep writing, even if you’re feeling so discouraged, you can't get another word down.
1. Your healthy why
When we write for recognition, validation or to prove ourselves, we usually end up spiraling when we can't make those things happen. Instead, focus on your healthy why. What drew you to writing in the first place? What do you love about the process and craft regardless of the outcome? Find the joy in writing again, even if that means writing for just yourself for a while.
2. Perseverance and success go hand in hand
It's no secret that success usually arrives after long bouts of failure and perseverance. We hear it in all the TED talks. But there’s a danger of falling into the hustle-culture trap of just work harder. I know. You might be doing as much as you can and still not seeing results. I’ve been there. I am there now. But keep going. Even if it’s painfully slow. Even if it feels like you’re not accomplishing anything. You are. Slow and steady. Just keep going.
3. There is a purpose for your journey and a place for your story
Your writing journey may not look anything like you imagined, but God put that longing to write in you for a reason. There are gifts in every part of the journey, even the hardships. When we’re having a hard time, we learn how to persevere, how to deal with rejection and how to develop a thick skin. We also learn how to build resiliency and improve our writing. I don’t have any doubt that there is a perfect place for your story. Maybe it’s not where you expected. Maybe it stays hidden for years and brings you to other story ideas. Maybe it comes out later, newer and more beautiful, like a butterfly from a cocoon. Whatever it is, I’m convinced there is a reader out there waiting to read the story only you can tell.
4. The ability to write and create is a gift
Being granted the time, space, support or education to write is a wonderful privilege. Many people will dream of writing but never be able to make it happen because of what they lack. What if instead of thinking about writing owing us an outcome, we viewed it as a gift in and of itself?
I hope you won’t give up on writing. I hope you’ll keep going, even through the tears and hardships. And I hope I get to read your book someday!
