I wrote this in response to some questions about my writing work… but the concepts apply well to all leadership work.
People have asked how I can be such a prolific writer and reader. The simplest answer is “It’s a choice followed by corresponding action.” The truth is that I have multiple writing projects sitting partially done, and struggle constantly to finish and publish my writing.
Here are things which help me:
- Deadlines and commitments. I have committed to this newsletter weekly, three LeaderLearning messages weekly, two blog posts weekly, and at least 3 posts on LinkedIn daily. I’ve forced myself to create deadlines for publishing some of the Anger and 300 years book content via email on a schedule.
- Assume that everything you encounter is fuel for pondering, cross-connecting, prayerful meditation, topics to write about and teach about. Capture thoughts and inspiration as quickly as possible because they have the same vapor pressure as gasoline on a sidewalk in July sun. There may be “nothing new under the sun,” but there are things which are new for you and the people in your sphere of influence!
- Put myself in good company of smart and savvy observers and story-sharers – in person, via books, podcasts, films, etc. This is food and fuel for your creative process. Invest your limited time and attention where it will yield higher returns.
- Always have a book handy. You’ve probably noticed how many people, given a few spare seconds, whip out their smartphone. Do that with books instead.
- Extract quality from quantity. Don’t expect brilliance in a first draft of a sentence or book. As best you can, squelch the self-editor which wants to work as you write – then unleash the editor’s power in the next stage. No gem emerged from the ground cut and polished. As I write this sentence, I have a “for newsletter content” document which is 121 pages long and hopefully no one will ever see 3/4ths of it!
- Walk! It’s amazing how much clarity and coalescing happens in your mind when you walk. Charles Dickens, incredibly prolific, walked the streets of London 2-4 hours daily.
I’ve been describing the reading and writing lifestyle. Consider how much of what I’ve described here is the same for creatives, organizational leaders, and thoughtful observers of life.
