Clients come to me because they want to write a book or articles for their work. They’re smart, soulful, and bursting with inspiration. They have lots of ideas and papers everywhere. They are ready to put their ideas into shape, but they don’t know how to get organized and get started. I get it!
There are two major aspects of writing that I help people with, and they may surprise you.
Left-brain systems understanding
Ironically, one of the main skills I bring to my coaching clients is structure. It turns out that my genius zone is helping people organize all those ideas and papers into smart, soulful books that make a difference in the world. Clients often say I have a laser-sharp focus and ‘hit the nail on the head’. I see what they don’t. This comes out when we’re brainstorming and I’m helping a client synthesize their many ideas into a coherent whole.
It’s so fun to help them bring their ideas into shape. The clarity they get allows them to get their ideas down much more quickly. But that’s only half of the work.
Right-brain empathy
If writing were merely a matter of organizing our ideas and materials, it would be much easier. But writing is one of the most vulnerable and scary things we can do. We’re called to be honest, to be generous, and to bring language to what we care deeply about.
Three main monsters stand at the gate, preventing us from entering our genius zone of writing:
- fear of not having something to say
- fear of merely repeating what is already out there and
- fear of not being a good enough writer.
Writing a book takes time because we need to deal with these so they don’t keep harassing us and making writing a misery. No one is immune to insecurity about writing – not even my smart, accomplished, and soulful clients.
Coaching skills are real
My coach training taught me how to serve my clients by actively listening, staying out of my own story, and moving them inward to understanding and outward to action on their goals. I cannot emphasize enough that the training I started in 1999 and continue to this day is why I can succeed with my projects and help my clients succeed with theirs.
In all my work, I use my left and right brain capabilities. Designing and leading retreats, writing books, and coaching others to realize their creative dreams bring all of me to the table. I LOVE that. Empathy, organization, and seeing both the big picture and the details are the skills that make writing a book—or anything—possible.
What monsters linger at the gate to your writing joy? Share them in a comment below.
