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Motivation

Developing Your Leadership Potential – 8 Methods in Which Writing Can Help Motivate Others

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If you’d like to learn how to develop your potential so you can have the confidence to go after the goals you have set, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.


When all is said and done, we are all writers in one way or another. From high-school essays, college papers, to social media posts, messages and online forum monologues, everyone has had experience with writing at some point. 

However, not many consider writing a viable avenue for leadership, whether through blogging or through writing project briefs, motivational messages for coworkers or other forms of written content. In fact, writing can be utilized very efficiently to do just that – motivate others to become their better selves. 

Let’s make a case for writing then, and how you can use the medium to convey meaningful words, thoughts and feelings to those around you. Whether work-related or otherwise, you’ll quickly discover that the writer hidden within you has much more to say than you’ve initially given yourself credit for.

1. Take Advantage of The Medium

Writing, in itself, is a very specific medium, a medium as old as time itself. This makes it accessible, sharable and very easy to pick up and practice on a daily basis. However, it can also seem daunting to those who don’t write often, as a blank page can frighten even a seasoned blogger or novelist. 

Writing doesn’t require technical skills akin to video editing, 3D modeling, design skills or software-related knowledge. All you really need is a simple text editor, a warm cup of your favorite beverage, and several minutes of your time to put your thoughts on the proverbial paper.

2. Discover your Sweet-Spot

While some leaders prefer sticking to reality such as true stories and practical examples found around us, others like to communicate spiritual, abstract and soul-searching messages to their readers. This means that both approaches (and combinations thereof) are more than viable for your own leadership writing. 

Don’t be afraid to insert personal insight, anecdotes, experiences and stances into your writing. Developing a sweet-spot for your motivational content is all about trial and error, as well as settling for a pace and style which suits your personality and writing habits.

3. Brainstorm & Mind-Map Ideas

A great way to establish your “area of focus” when it comes to leadership-centric writing is to brainstorm ideas whenever you have a few minutes to do so. Grab a piece of paper, write down thoughts that come to your mind, and then branch off into their related verbs, nouns, phrases and keywords worth exploring. Then you can start building sentences and rewrite them, or even use a rewording tool to test different versions of your ideas.

You don’t have to be of rich vocabulary and deep thought to take advantage of writing – all you really need is some patience for your own words to surface. Write down potential titles, topics and ideas worth exploring further in order to keep them in your mind for whenever you sit down in front of a computer – by then, your digested thoughts will be ready to jot down.

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin

4. Don’t Be a Copycat

What drives most leaders and motivational writers into writing is an example of someone else doing so and moving them in the process. Having a role model and a personality to look up to for inspiration is a highly welcome choice for any writer – however, it’s important not to fall into the pit of copying their style and thought delivery. 

Developing your own “I” is what will make your leadership potential soar with readers and ensure that they remember every word you write down. Write in your own voice, in your own style and don’t be afraid to be different from trendsetters or popular online bloggers – the right crowd will flock around your writing sooner than you expect.

5. Leadership through Self-Reflection5

Who are you? The older we get, the more difficult and complex the question becomes. Leaders that inspire confidence and incite change within their followers often lead by example – be it positive or negative.

Whether it’s personal trauma, loving memories of days past or day-to-day events which leave a mark on you – these events all serve to shape who you are as a person and a leader. As such, self-reflection, meditation and introspective thinking should become a part of your leadership writing ideation process just as much as the actual process of putting words into a digital form.

6. Relay Meaning through Quotation

While it may seem cliché to rely on quotes in 2020, habits die hard, and leaders should make good use of relevant and inspiring quotes as much as possible. Quotes can come from unexpected places – be it a popular celebrity, a well-respected member of your community or a friend or family member whose words stayed with you. 

In writing, quotes can be used to break up the monotony of subheadings and paragraphs to a great effect, making the content easier to scan and gleam useful information from. Mark and attribute your quotes with respect for their original creators and your readership base will take your writing that much more seriously for it.

“Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.” – Larry L. King

7. Make your Writing Accessible

The term “word dump” shouldn’t be frowned upon or taken as a derogatory expression for unclear writing. The first drafts of your leadership-driven content will undoubtedly benefit from rewrites, editing, proofreading, and subsequent formatting before meeting the readers’ eyes. 

Don’t be afraid to simply write, akin to an ice dancer free of any doubt or restrictions, and then discern the gist of your content in post-production. It is essential then to treat your leadership writing as a freeform exercise before attempting to narrow your content down to its core meaning and messaging.

8. Inspire Conversation & Sharing

Lastly, the best way for you to develop leadership skills further is to continually nudge others toward doing so themselves. Individuals who aim to inspire confidence, action and initiative within their follower base are bound to build a reputation as reader-centric leaders without a shadow of doubt or self-interest.

Use simple techniques such as calls to action, questions directed at the reader, and social media buttons in your posts to emphasize sharing, discussion and social leadership development. Most importantly – be there for your readers and engage with their comments, messages and questions on your website, blog, social media page or any other avenue you decide to publish your writing through.

9. Authenticity Carries the Day (Conclusion)

At the end of the day, what makes leadership through writing unique lies in its raw nature and power to unite like minded individuals under the umbrella of an inspiring thought put into words. 

Don’t think that you don’t have anything new to add or say to the world – it has never been easier to become your own leader first and convey those same emotions and messages to others around the globe. Be authentic to your persona and put your heart into the letters you put to paper – the rest is history.

Are you a writer? If so, share your stories with us below! We’d love to check them out & even potentially feature them on Addicted2Success!

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Motivation

From Couch Potato to Go-Getter: A Step-by-Step Motivation Plan for Everyone

By understanding what motivates you, you can turn your dreams into reality

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How to be motivated
Image Credit: Midjourney

Are you tired of feeling like a couch potato? Do you want to transform your life and become a go-getter? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with motivation, but the good news is that change is possible. (more…)

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Motivation

Why You’re Failing to Achieve Your Goals and How to Fix It Now

Understanding motivation is crucial because it’s the cornerstone of success

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Why motivation is important to success

Feeling stuck? Lost in a sea of goals, but lacking the drive to pursue them? It’s time to shift gears and reignite your motivation! Picture this: From stalled to soaring, your journey awaits.  (more…)

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Motivation

Here’s How Self Motivation Can Be the Bridge Between Your Dreams and Realities

Self-motivation is the ability to motivate yourself without the influence of others

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Self-motivation is the ability to motivate yourself without the influence of others.  It is the ability to move forward with your convictions and beliefs despite facing several stumbling blocks on your way. (more…)

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Motivation

8 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Be More Decisive

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Stop Procrastinating

Tackling Procrastination and Indecisiveness

Hi, Joel Brown here. As the person behind Addicted to Success and Mind Strong, I’m often asked about tackling procrastination and making swift, effective decisions. It’s a common struggle in today’s world, where distractions are endless.

Procrastination often creeps in when we’re bombarded with social media notifications, breaking news, and the hustle of daily life. This leads to a fear-driven indecision, where we’re paralyzed by the thought of failure or judgment.

 

Here’s a video breakdown of how to stop procrastinating and be more decisive if you are more of a visual person:

 

Embracing Speed and Momentum to Stop Procrastination

One of the most impactful lessons in my journey is understanding the role of speed in overcoming procrastination. A mentor of mine, a highly successful individual, always emphasized:

“Success loves speed, and money loves momentum.”

This principle is crucial in combating procrastination. It’s about seizing opportunities quickly, not just for financial gain, but for the invaluable experiences and connections they bring.

 

Understanding Analysis Paralysis: A Key to Overcoming Procrastination

A major hurdle in decision-making is what’s commonly known as analysis paralysis, a significant form of procrastination. It happens when our decision-making process, governed by the prefrontal cortex, gets overwhelmed. To break free from this form of procrastination, try calming techniques like deep breathing. It’s surprising how such simple steps can clear a cluttered mind and help you move past procrastination.

 

The Long-Term Effects of Procrastination and Indecision

Procrastination isn’t just about putting off decisions; it can lead to a reduced sense of life satisfaction over time.

In a conversation I had with Tony Robbins, we discussed how the quality of our lives hinges on the quality of our decisions.

Therefore, overcoming procrastination and indecision is vital for a fulfilling life.

 

My Top Strategies for Beating Procrastination

  1. Seek Guidance from the Experienced: To combat procrastination, connect with people who’ve achieved the goals you’re aiming for. Their experience can be a guiding light when you’re stuck in indecision.
  2. Use Deadlines as Anti-Procrastination Tools: Setting deadlines is a powerful way to break the cycle of procrastination. They create a sense of urgency that pushes you into action.
  3. Accept Imperfection to Move Past Procrastination: Understand that no one is perfect, and that includes you. Accepting this can alleviate the pressure that often leads to procrastination.

 

Identify Your Procrastination Type to Find Solutions

Procrastination manifests in various forms. I’ve developed a quiz (find it at mindstrongacademy.com/quiz) to help you identify your specific type of procrastination. Understanding your personal procrastination style is a crucial step in addressing it effectively.

 

Additional Tips on Making Quality Decisions and Beating Procrastination

When it comes to decision-making, it’s important to not get too bogged down in analyzing pros and cons. While analysis is important, excessive scrutiny can lead to procrastination. Trusting your intuition often plays a crucial role in breaking free from procrastination.

 

Handling Major Life Choices Without Procrastination

For significant decisions in life, whether in your career or personal relationships, procrastination can be particularly challenging.

To address this, break down these big decisions into smaller steps. Assess the potential outcomes realistically to understand that often, the fear of a negative outcome is more intimidating than the actual consequences.

 

Conclusion: Your Journey Away from Procrastination Begins Now

To wrap up, remember that overcoming procrastination and indecision is about understanding your own patterns, seeking wise counsel, setting deadlines, and embracing your imperfections. It’s time to start making those impactful decisions and enjoying the journey of life.

Whether it’s through the Mind Strong Academy or my procrastination quiz, I’m here to guide you on your path to decisive action.

I believe in your ability to conquer procrastination and live a life of purposeful decisions.

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