Just Start Writing
The best advice you’ll find
👋 Hey, it’s Zohvib. Welcome to my weekly newsletter where I share frameworks of proven ideas to become smarter and healthier. If you’re not a subscriber, here’s what you missed this month:
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If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start writing, let me tell you something: It doesn’t exist.
The Power of Starting
I know how it feels. You want everything to be perfect before you begin—perfect ideas, perfect words, perfect timing.
But here's the harsh truth: waiting for everything to be “just right” will get you nowhere.
The truth is, writing is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. You don’t get stronger by thinking about lifting weights—you start lifting. And you don’t get better at writing by waiting for inspiration to strike. You get better by writing.
My number one piece of writing advice is Just start. And here’s the kicker—don’t worry about perfection. Perfection is for the second draft, or the third, or maybe the fifth. But not the first. For now, focus on getting the words out of your head and onto the page.
Just Start
So, how do you stop overthinking and start writing?
Here’s my process:
Write without overthinking. Just start. Don’t worry about it being good.
Don’t chase perfection. The first draft is supposed to be messy—embrace the chaos.
Set a small, daily goal. Even 100 words can be a solid start.
Show up every day. Even if you don’t feel like it, the habit is where the magic happens.
Starting is the hardest part. But once you get into the habit of writing, it becomes easier. Like any craft, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
Don’t Call Yourself A Writer (Yet)
Here’s something I tell everyone: You’re not a “writer” until you’ve written. You can’t claim the title just by dreaming about it.
So, here’s the deal: right now, you’re someone who wants to write. But that doesn’t mean you are one until you start. And the good news is—you can start right now.
Take ten minutes today, pick up your pen (or keyboard), and write down what’s on your mind. It doesn’t have to be profound or polished—just let it flow.
Get Better with Time
This is where the magic happens. Writing is a skill, and skills improve with practice. The more you do it, the better you get. But how do you get better?
Here’s how I approach it:
Read often. Not just to consume, but to study. Pay attention to what you like (and don’t like) in other people’s writing.
Ask for feedback. Don’t be afraid to share your work, even if it’s unfinished. The feedback will help you grow.
Write regularly. Don’t aim for “perfect” – aim for consistency. The more you write, the more you improve.
Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Every word you write, every sentence you finish, builds on itself and brings you closer to becoming the writer you aspire to be.
3 Layers of Writing
Think of writing like peeling back layers.
First, there’s the messy draft—the one that’s full of ideas but not much structure.
Then comes refining—where you clean things up, clarify your points, and make sure the flow is there.
Finally, there’s polishing—where you focus on the fine details, the tone, and the precision of your words.
In other words, it’s a process. And there’s no rush.
Writing doesn’t have to be perfect on the first try. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Final Thought
Writing is a journey that begins with one thing: starting. So don’t wait for the "right moment." Start today. Whether it's a sentence, a paragraph, or a full chapter, just put your thoughts on the page and let it flow.
And remember this:
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” — Anne Lamott
So go ahead—stop reading, start writing, and see where it takes you.
I can’t wait to hear what you create.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this edition of my newsletter useful.
Cheers,
Zohvib
PS. If you’d like some personal coaching on your writing. I might be able to help. Reply to this email.