This is harder than I anticipated but also empowering.
As I wrote in “My Declaration of Independence,” doing things I never thought I could do has been terrifying and empowering simultaneously. This writing challenge is no different. Here are some things I have learned.
If I Schedule My Time, I Can Do It
This writing challenge requires I make time to write articles, otherwise, I will not succeed. Therefore, I schedule my time. I work best in the morning with a cup of coffee (or two, or three) beside me. In addition to a newsletter I read each morning and my gratitude journal, I have made time to write an article now.
The only issue: writing articles takes a long time. It amazes me that some authors seem to knock out articles in 30 minutes or less. When I return to teaching full-time, I wonder if I can continue with this.
Generating Article Ideas Is Hard
Articles abound about how to generate ideas for blogging. For some reason, though, I don’t like churning out content to meet a deadline. Before the challenge, I let ideas percolate in my mind and waited for any bit of the post to come to me. Now, I have a deadline, albeit self-imposed. 😐
I Wonder if I Am Writing Articles Others Want to Read
Most of my articles are about education because I love to reflect on what has happened and plan for what comes next. I want to be an excellent teacher. I want to help people. I love questioning the motives and methods behind education. I especially love pondering the purpose of studying literature, since I am an English teacher.
Question: Am I writing articles others want to read?
Second question: Should I worry about that?
My answer to the second question is yes, I should and I have. I’m writing to you and me. I’m writing to learn, but also to share. I want to be part of a conversation. I feel most competent being part of conversations about education. I don’t mind sharing my failings, because failure opens the door to opportunity. The old cliché about never knowing until you try is true.
That Feeling of Accomplishment Once You Finish an Article Is Empowering
Publishing an article produces a feeling of accomplishment I can’t really describe. I finished something! It’s a rush, comparable to finishing a lesson plan or something around the house. It’s not the same as mapping curriculum, because that takes a long time, and I know that the map isn’t as important as the planning process. That map is going to change. My articles will rarely change.
I am empowered by finishing a task, so I will continue this writing challenge and build my sense of confidence and competence.
Onward and upward!
Thank you for reading the sixth article in my 30-Day Writing Challenge.