Writing is Hard

Writing by itself is hard, let alone writing well. Observing my own behaviours as a beginner, I've noted four challenges to writing:

1. The first is selecting a medium with which to write, be it paper or a blogging platform. Without a means to record the ideas being conveyed, one is constrained to communicating physiologically in the moment (e.g. vocalising, signing, dancing). Thus, the opportunity for obtaining the aspirational quality of 'permanence' inherent to the medium of writing is drastically reduced. The medium also has an effect on who the reader will be. However, just to get started this can be invariably overlooked.
2. The second challenge is in setting aside time to put words onto the chosen medium. Without dedicating space in the day to write, one will be unable to adequately express oneself. Being aware of getting caught in a procrastination cycle is critical as is not being hasty to avoid unsatisfactory output. The quantity of time allocated to writing is potentially proportional to communication quality.
3. To realise that potential and having something to write about is the third challenge. This is arguably the most crucial one to overcome, for having this at the start may create momentum to allocate the time to write as well as acquiring the medium upon which to make one's mark. There is a universe of topics to work with and lay out for the reader - quite often it's about embracing one familiar to the author, crossbred with the desire to elaborate on that topic. Having the drive to write about the topic is a fundamental aspect to the success of writing.
4. The fourth and final challenge is to design one's writing in such a way as to communicate to the reader with a baseline of clarity and engagement. Clarity is an act of compassion such that the recipient of one's words does not get stuck for comprehension, and engagement to power the engine of desire to read as much of the piece as possible with the intention to complete. There is a transfer of desire from the writer to the reader. In any case, the author should always be the first reader. And even when there is no intended reader outside of the author, it is still pertinent to one's sanity and skill-honing to want to write with those baselines in mind. My belief is that writing for one's self aligns with the necessary philosophy of self-compassion. When self-compassion is shared, its reach and effect are invariably multiplied.

As always, the first step is always the greatest, both in difficulty and in reward. By facing these challenges head-on and with mindful repetition, one can begin to consider approaching the higher goal of writing well.