What is Your Next Level, Writer?

Everything We’ve Become

A lot goes on in a writer’s head. Between the creative process, finding your audience and even building a business around your writing, there is so much we are constantly learning, doing, and processing.  

We are writing stories, blogging, marketing ourselves, perhaps making our own graphic designs, and much more. Not only do we have these jobs, but we are our own boss in charge of our own income, work hours, and motivation. 

With all the noise clamoring in our head, at times it can feel like we are drowning in the responsibilities. In times like this, I find sometimes it benefits us to take a step outside and take a look at a wider view of ourselves. To take a look at all we are, what we have done, and—importantly—what we will do. 

What is a writer? 

There is much involved in the character of a writer. We have not only committed to the creative writing portion of the job, but we have also taken on responsibilities and learned new skills I think many of us did not expect would be required. 

We are forever learners and growers, and already have acquired skills and knowledge of which we can be proud.

A writer is a(n):

• Warrior of words
• Builder of worlds
• Curious mind. 
• Intense imagination. 
• Traveler of the human mind, heart, and soul. 
• Crafty storyteller. 
• Blogger.
• Website designer.
• Graphic designer.
• Social media marketer. 
• Adventurer of new tools and techniques. 

These are just some examples of who we writers are and what we have done. Many more skills and knowledge we will acquire in the future. Much more we will become. 

Right now, take all you have done as encouragement for all the more you can do. 

But what all can we do next? 

The Next Level

Pushing our limits is uncomfortable, but growing our boundaries and goals is what life is about. When pressing against our limits, it is easy to become overwhelmed and feel the desire to run and hide from the future. But backing away doesn’t satisfy. 

If you have an ambition to share your writing with the world and make the most of your life and your abilities, then the only answer which will fit you is to lean further into your limits. Press against your limits until they expand, then lean on them again. 

Continually reach for the next level. There is so much you have done, but there is even more that you can do. 

I truly believe we are capable of accomplishing more massive things than we think possible. We need a little faith in our capabilities, and a lot of action to climb to the next level of ourselves. 

But what is the next level? 

The other week I was listing down traits of some of my favorite characters to discern what I liked about them and what they had in common. A while after, I wondered what traits I would have on a list, and then of what traits I would want after my name. 

I decided to try this. I sat down with a paper and pencil and began writing down descriptors I would want to describe me—the traits I respect and admire, whether I had them yet or not. 

Here is part of my list: 

• Loyal
• Caring
• Strong-willed
• Courageous
• Eager learner
• Relentless

I’ll often re-read my list when I’m struggling and remind myself of the person I want to be. 

Example: When I’m afraid of something, I remind myself I want to be courageous. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but action in the midst of fear, so I practice taking action in the situation I fear.  

While there are traits that come naturally to us, this doesn’t mean you can’t acquire more. You can change who you are. Like our characters, we learn, grow, and change. 

If you struggle making decisions, you can learn to make decisions. If you aren’t self-disciplined, you can learn to be self-disciplined. You can practice being courageous until it becomes a descriptor your family and friends give you. 

It requires intentional effort, but it is possible, and you are capable of doing it. 

Now, how do you want to be described?

What traits would you like to be put after your name?

Take 5 minutes to think about the fictional characters and real people you admire, and discern why you admire them. 

Next, take 5 minutes and write down traits you want to describe you. They can be from the traits you found above or new ones. After you’ve made your list, consider where you can implement these traits in your life. Keep the list accessible and review it when needed.  

Identifying these traits is the start of becoming the type of person—even character—you admire. When you know who you want to be and what you want to do, the future becomes less uncertain. 

Lean into your limits 

Writers have many abilities, some natural and many learned. While appreciating your amazing progress so far, always look to what’s ahead. There is always something more to learn, improve in, and write. 

While leaning against your boundaries is uncomfortable, it’s like pushing yourself physically. When you start practicing forward planks 30 seconds seems hard, but with consistent practice and pushing your limits, in time you will be holding the plank for 1 minute, then 3, and beyond. 

What you are scared of now you can surpass and continue on to bigger things. Hiding doesn’t satisfy your creative need to write and desire to publish. Only doing those things will. 

And you are capable of doing them, and more. 

Featured photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash