Writing Archives - Sherwette

How to start writing your book

Writing August 19, 2022

Does this sound familiar?

“I have so many ideas, but I don’t know where to start or how to put them on paper.”

It has always been easy for me to write, but for the longest time, I didn’t even think I could write an entire book, let alone become a best seller. I didn’t believe I could do it… and so many people fall into that rabbit hole of thinking too.

But here is the truth…

Everyone can write a book, and when I say everyone, I mean everyone.

Just like everything else you want to be successful at, you’ve got to trust the process, be consistent, and follow through even when your mind is screaming, “Is this even worth it?”

If writing a book has been in your mind for some time, then I encourage you to do two exercises to put all those ideas on paper and start writing your book.

Write a list of all the books you want to write. Yes, books, and if only one book idea ended on that list, that’s also fine. Then, choose one book. Only one book from that list.
Put a 15-20 minutes timer on your phone, and mind map all the ideas that come to you on this topic. No interruptions, checking your phone, social media, or taking a break to make coffee.

Now, you’ve put your ideas on paper… and that’s the very first step in writing your book. Congratulations! 😉

What is the fear of other people’s opinions costing you?

Self development August 2, 2022

I was talking to Sally (not her real name) when she told me she didn’t want to start doing what she loves because she is scared of what other people would think of her.

I relate because I’ve been thinking like this for a long time. In fact, sometimes, I do.

But then, when we think about the implications of that fear, we see how much we leave at the table.

I asked, “so what if someone thinks something bad about you?”

She said, “ I don’t want to hear or read a negative comment about what I create. I only want appreciation.”

I get it. Who doesn’t want appreciation? We all do. Don’t we?

Resistance: The secret that stops you from doing what you really want to do

Self development July 29, 2021

If you are a creative person, chances are you have read “The Art of War” by Steven Pressfield. And if you didn’t, you might want to give it a read.

Art and war? How would these two come together?

The reason Steven Pressfield associated art with war, is that internal struggle. Yes, there is a war, but not with the external world. It’s from within. It’s from within us.

Steven Pressfield explains how resistance keeps us from doing the things that will elevate our souls.

“There’s a secret that real writers know that wannabe writers don’t know. And the secret is this: it’s not the writing that’s hard. It’s the sitting down to write—and what keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.”
-Steven Pressfield.

Focus and trust the process

Self development July 10, 2021

All the time in the world won’t help if you can’t focus, especially when you know what you can do when you are focused.

When we can’t focus, we tend to procrastinate and undermine our capabilities. What we used to do can’t be done anymore, and what was never attempted doesn’t even seem possible. We can’t get ourselves to do the work because we don’t “see” the point.

But there is something about showing up. You drag yourself, sit and say, “Hey, I am ready now,” only to find yourself numb. Then, you doubt yourself, “Is it even worth it to show up again?” You tell yourself, “Trust the process,” and show up again. The second time, you are still not focused, but you give it a try. It sucks, but it doesn’t matter. You tell yourself, “What is this sh*t?” Then, you pat yourself on the shoulder and say, “Hey, at least I am doing something.”

The worst advice I have received: “Stop writing.”

Self development June 5, 2021

The worst advice I have received: “Stop writing.”

I got that advice from a best-selling author who wrote multiple books and a very successful blogger. I looked up to her and thought, “Only if I could have my blog be as impactful as hers one day,” followed by a sigh and then by following her advice.

Her intent was genuine, she shared what worked for her, and perhaps even if I followed her exact footsteps, I would have had the same results. She meant well—that I know. The idea was not to stop writing because writing is bad, but she wanted me to take a step back, do the customer research that I can’t emphasize how much is important, set a strategy, and then, only then, I would start writing. I fully agree with her, and that’s the kind of advice I would give as well.

5 Easy tips to simplify your writing

Consumer Behavior Copywriting Self development September 13, 2019

Use the ‘simplicity’ consumer behavior tip to influence others.

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned the power of simplicity, and how it can boost your business.

Read: 3 Reasons simplicity will boost your business

In fact, it can boost way more than your business. It can help you in every aspect of your life.

Simplicity, especially, when applied in your communication, whether it’s spoken or written, makes others understand you.

When consumers understand what you are trying to say, you are able to influence their thoughts, emotions and ultimately their behavior. If they don’t understand you, then just forget about it.

“Write to the chimpanzee brain. Simply. Directly.” - Eugene Schwartz

… And while it’s always great to know what influences consumer behavior, if you don’t know how to do it, you might as well be as good as those who don’t know anything about the subject.

What happened when I learned my blog was featured in the top 100 Dubai blogs?

Cognitive Bias Consumer Behavior July 13, 2019

My blog was recently featured in the “Top 100 Dubai blogs” list by feedspot. When I first learned about it, I was very excited since my blog is quite new. It went live on May 2019 so that’s just a few months ago.

I was thrilled and so I started sharing this news with others.

– First, I was working late at the office, so I told my colleague who I barely knew.
– Then, I told my close friends on WhatsApp.
– Then I shared it on my blog’s social accounts pages.
– The next day I was having a conversation with my partner at work and so I shared the news with her.
– She then shared the news with the workgroup on Whatsapp.
– After that, people at work started telling other people.
– And then the next day, I shared it again on my personal social accounts pages.
– Then my friend shared it on her facebook page.

In this process, not only did I share the news, but others, both close and not too close to me started sharing the news — offline and online. Ironically it was shared more offline than online. Not surprising to me though, I know why, thanks to Jonah Berger.

“Research by the Keller Fay Group finds that only 7 percent of word of mouth happens online.” — Jonah Berger

I started wondering, what in this news made me and others have the urge to share it with others… I mean from a consumer behavior perspective.