Are you saying we should go off half-cocked?


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In a word…yes.

In my last post, I mentioned coming up with a basic framework of a plan, and then get going. As writers, we’re used to working through multiple drafts and getting things perfect before we let them see the light of day.

But plans are not the same as your writing. Things change. There are things you won’t (and can’t) anticipate. If you invest a lot of time coming up with a foolproof plan, and then hit that unexpected obstacle, you have to change directions, and suddenly your well-thought-out plan is wastebasket fodder.

Disheartened at the unfairness of the world and lamenting the demise of our perfect plan, we give up. We mourn the loss of that great idea.

But if you just jot down the bare bones of a plan and get after it, then your approach will be more open-minded and flexible. You can adapt and adjust your efforts to bring them more in line with the real world, without the attachment to your imaginary world weighing you down.

“But what if…”

Stop right there. You can what-if for a month, and something unexpected will still pop up and surprise you. Worse, most of your what-ifs aren’t going to happen. Until you’ve stepped out there and made a few moves, you’re simply wasting your time.

If you can’t write your plan on the back of your business card, you’ve invested too much time in it without taking action.  Put down the pen, and go.

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