Writing in public has been on my mind for a while. The process of writing and sharing is powerful, and with the rapid advancements in AI, it's becoming even more crucial. AI and other technological advancements are making content creation more accessible than ever. In this landscape of abundant content, building a brand and an audience becomes a crucial differentiator. Your unique voice and perspective are what will set you apart.
The benefits of writing are well-documented and compelling:
Improved clarity of thought
Stress reduction
Enhanced communication skills
Greater ability to tell a compelling and persuasive story
These aren't just anecdotal claims. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that expressive writing can improve working memory, which is crucial for cognitive tasks and managing daily stressors [1].
Over three weeks ago, I set myself a challenge: write and publish 30 pieces in 30 days. The aggressive timeline was intentional, forcing me to leverage AI tools and overcome perfectionism. This is day 24, and the experience has been transformative.
This daily publishing requirement has been pivotal in conquering perfection paralysis. Previously, I'd agonize over every word, seeking feedback and making endless revisions. The result? Months between posts. And for almost no one to end up reading it. Case in point: my first post here was on April 15th, and it took until August 15th to post the next one as part of this challenge. Progress, not perfection. Consistency, not intensity. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
The practice has also sharpened my ability to generate ideas. I now maintain a notes folder full of potential topics, jotting down thoughts as they come. It's similar to how carrying a camera everywhere trains you to see the world differently, always on the lookout for captivating scenes. This writing mindset has benefits that extend beyond the act of writing itself.
So, what's holding you back? If you're worried about the quality or reception of your writing, let me ease your mind with some hard truths. Based on my own experience with this challenge, engagement with online content when you start is often quite low. Even for posts I considered "popular," I found that most readers only skimmed a small portion of the content.
The takeaway? In the beginning, hardly anyone cares what you write. This is actually liberating. You have the freedom to fail in relative privacy, find your voice, and refine your message without the pressure of a large audience.
Think of your early writing as brand advertising. Marketing research shows it takes multiple exposures before someone takes a message or messenger seriously [2]. I've experienced this myself with Instagram purchases, often ruminating on a product after several exposures before committing. You may need to have a real practice and body of work before people start catching on to what you're putting down.
If you're inclined to start, my recommendation is simple: begin publishing today. Set a challenge if it motivates you. I told a friend I'd pay him $100 if I didn't meet my 30-in-30 goal. In an AI-driven future, building an audience will likely become even more valuable. So share whatever speaks to you - writing, poetry, visual art - anything that gets you going.
Remember, the future of digital content is being shaped now. Your unique voice and perspective are valuable. The audience you build today could be your greatest asset tomorrow. So don't wait for the perfect moment - start writing, start sharing, and start building that audience now.
[1] Klein, K., & Boals, A. (2001). Expressive writing can increase working memory capacity. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 130(3), 520-533.
[2] Krugman, H. E. (1972). Why three exposures may be enough. Journal of Advertising Research, 12(6), 11-14.
