Overcome Overthinking

QUESTION

Joey, I am a writer finding it difficult to share my content with the world. The main pest is self-doubt warning me that I can always do better.

I wish I could create a nice big hardcover book and finally smash the ugly bug.

No doubt, my work would pour, but pour like overbearing rain in the tropics. At the same time, I wonder if this pest is more of a buzzing bee that stings with its sharp tail, but pollinates the garden of my thoughts. I do sometimes see the benefit of being a harsh self-critic after rewriting one paragraph a million times over.

Do I create a mediocre book only to smash a pest, or wait for that sweet honey dripping down the top of a mountain while thirstily holding a cup? Is there a balance or is this all superficial? Am I on the verge of cutting my ear off like Van Gogh? Please help.

—Hamdy

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ANSWER

Hamdy, I can tell you’re struggling just by how your thoughts are coming out. There’s beauty and depth, but there’s also some overthinking going on.

There are three particular points you made that I will address.

1. On sharing your content with the world. After reading the rest of your message, it seems that you haven’t yet finished your book. Focus on that—the process—not the destination. (It’s like focusing on being strong rather than on each workout as they come.) Let go of the end, it will come when it’s ready.

2. On being a writer. Resistance (or writer’s block) is common, but there’s a simple solution: Write anything. When you are unsure what to do next, write. When you are questioning a sentence or paragraph or chapter, write. When you worry whether anything good will come out, write. Write, write, write—and your writing problems will fade away.

3. On making a good book. The more you make, the better you get. Focus on being prolific rather than being perfect. In time, you will sharpen the blade that is your mind as you improve your trade. Quantity begets quality.

By trade, I am a designer. When I am concerned about what I’m working on, I design. When I don’t know where to go next, I design. When a problem seems insurmountable, I design.

Action beats inaction, every time.

If I had to boil all of this down to a few simple suggestions: Forget the future, focus on the present, and write.

You got this.

—Joey

Creator of Baronfig
Author of The Laws of Creativity

A little inspiration for you. // Additional note: I found this image on the web, and really liked the idea of a computerless desk for a change. But I have no idea what's up with the incredibly sad plant.