What Should I Write?

In the car this morning, I ran through some possibilities of what I might write about today. One of the things I often think about but never seem to execute is planning my writing topics. I have visions of this neatly organized thematic table with quotes, ideas, and calls to action pulled together for months of content.

Maybe this is a dream of yours, too? Whether for a consistent blog, or for your social media marketing and visibility we know that structure and organization will allow us to show up more consistently (if that's your goal), will allow your readers and viewers to feel more held (and if we're lucky, even excited about what's coming next), and it allows you to do some work in bulk, schedule posts ahead of time, and have a little more freedom for other parts of your writing or entrepreneurial life.

But when forming a new habit, or reigniting an old one like I am, it's also important to not pile on too many perfectionist tendencies. I didn't make that nice organized content chart, but I can still show up here and write. I can even have some fun, and instead of feeling bogged down by the age old question of "What should I write about?" I can be curious about what might come through when I sit down to write.

Because what is most important for me at this stage in the game of creating a more consistent writing practice is simply that I write. I set my timer for 15 minutes and go. The bonus is that I'm doing it here, showing you the process in real time. Maybe it's helpful, maybe it's interesting. Maybe, sometimes, it will just be done. And each of those outcomes are enough.

There are often times that I need a little inspiration to kick start my writing. I have so many resources I could go to for that, and I'm betting you do, too. Here's a few a my favorites:

• listen to favorite podcast clips
• pull a tarot card for wisdom
• ask yourself, "what's the message I need to hear today?"
• google a list of journal prompts (or download my "Jumpstart Your Journal" prompts for inspiration!) 
• go on a ten minute walk
• grab a favorite book and open to a random page - what's the big idea there and your thoughts on it?
• poll your social media for topic suggestions

So if you're stuck on what to write maybe take a few cues from that list above. Sometimes some really good stuff will come out. Sometimes, it will feel basic. But as novelist Jodi Picoult says, "You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page."

Whatever new habit you're working on, the goal is taking action, no matter what. I think we may all be pleasantly surprised as we move through our next evolutions. Perhaps we can rest in the knowing that imperfect action will pull us forward far more than being perfectly prepared.