The Secret to Effortless Writing

by Jeff Goins | 166 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+

I wrote this post in 10 minutes. No joke.

These days, writing is the most effortless it has ever been for me. I can crank out a thousand words in less than half an hour without breaking a sweat.

But it didn’t always used to be this way. It didn’t always use to be so easy.

Photo Credit: Flickr (Creative Commons)

What changed?

When my wife and I moved to our new house this summer (where there weren’t as many hills), I started running again. Because of the flat terrain, I found myself going for longer runs without really noticing it.

Soon, I was running nearly every day. I did this for a couple of months. I got into pretty good shape, but I did it mostly for the joy of running.

Since I was comfortable running three to four miles per day, I started increasing the distances. First, five. Then six or seven. Now, even as much as eight miles.

The weirdest part? I rarely feel sore.

I’m running the most consistently I’ve ever run in my life, and it’s causing me the least amount of pain.

What’s made the difference?

The answer is the same thing that makes it easier to write than ever before:

PRACTICE.

I didn’t set out to run every day without any discomfort. Nor did I ever anticipate being able to write with such ease. But it happened.

Why? Because I’ve started approaching writing like I do running. I get up every day, no matter what, and I do it. I try not to think about it too much or listen to my own doubts.

I just start. Some days are better than others, but the one thing that is constant is that I do it often. And it’s starting to get into my muscles. My body is beginning to remember. It’s getting used to the practice.

And slowly but surely, it’s getting easier.

I’m not a master…

But I am learning the secret of mastery. You can, too, if you really want to. Whether it’s learning a foreign language or finally playing the guitar.

We all want life to be easy now. But that’s not how it works. Things that come easy only come later. But they do come. Eventually.

Some day, you’ll be able to put on your jogging shoes or sit down in front of your computer and do what you’ve been practicing all this time. It will be effortless. And it will be sweet.

The ugly truth

Of course, when that day comes, it won’t be enough. Because you can always get a little better. And there will always be some punk kid who comes along to outdo your last feat.

So what do we do then? What do we make of this? Do we chase the allure of mastery, only to be disappointed years down the line? Or do we abdicate to mediocrity, giving up before we even begin?

Neither sounds very appealing.

Instead, let’s do something else…

Chase passion, not mastery

Let’s find something we love so much that it drives us to want to be the best in the world. And when we find we’re not, may we shrug with indifference, because we love doing it, anyway.

May we find our life’s work getting more and more effortless because of our practice. And may we do it with a smile on our face.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll find that one day we truly are the best in the world. Regardless, we’ll have a blast doing it.

And you know what? I have a hunch that’s how the real masters do it, anyway. They sweat even when they don’t have to. Why? Because they can always get better.

Do you believe in mastery? Should writing (or jogging or whatever) be effortless?

*Photo credit: Nadia Hatoum (Creative Commons)

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About the Author

Jeff Goins

Writer, idea guy, difference-maker. I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. My family and I reside just outside of Nashville, TN. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Google Plus.

Deuce101968

Jeff, I know what you mean. It just gets easier. Running and writing.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  yep
LarryTheDeuce

Sss
http://www.theacufffamily.com Suzanne

Writing feels effortless some days, but most days it’s not. Those days make it a little more exciting and bring more of a sense of accomplishment. I appreciate all of your tips and encouragement and hope to read The Writer’s Manifesto soon.
Prateek Modi

This is one thing that I really need to work at too! Being consistent is perhaps the single most important act one can do after starting out on any venture, skill, project whatever.

Excellent post, crisply written.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Indeed. Thanks, Prateek.
NickZ

It depends on the terrain you are running on. If you run on a flat terrain it is much easier to achieve mastery than while running on the hills. It is much easier to master writing the posts than writing the literary works that would be read long time after one passed away. And there are always more miles and more paths to be run on. It is about the process of getting better and better: if we have mastered it some day – what would be the purpose of our life? Or writing?
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Well, I think there are varying levels of mastery. And, of course, you can always get better. Being a “master” doesn’t mean you’re perfect, but it does mean you’ve done your work. Think of a master sensei or bodybuilder. They still practice, but their expertise entitles them to teach others.
  - NickZ
    
    I see what you mean. The aim is to achieve the highest level of mastery. It is a path worth running on .
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      hence varying degrees of black belt
      - NickZ
        
        Well, there are all the are colors to be achieved beforehand . I would start with the white one.
        
        http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
        
        right, but the idea is that a black belt is an expert. and even within that level, there is room for improvement (which is your point, I believe). thanks!
http://www.karisslynch.com Kariss Lynch

I believe passion often leads to mastery and it lends an edge over those who are simply writing to excel. Writing comes easily to me. I hope over time that writing well will come easily. It’s encouraging to know that practice pays off!
- http://avajae.blogspot.com Ava Jae
  
  I agree completely–I think passion often leads to mastery, although especially when it comes to writing I believe there’s ever a point where a writer sits back and says, “Ah, now I’ve learned everything there is to know about writing!” There’s always something more to learn, and it’s an exciting journey.
  - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
    
    definitely agree, Ava. always more to learn. but the idea here is that there is hope: it gets easier.
    - http://avajae.blogspot.com Ava Jae
      
      True! It definitely does–I’ve found that in my own experience as well.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Hmmm… I agree, sort of. I think passion leads to practice, which leads to mastery. Kind of semantic, but kind of not.
  - http://www.karisslynch.com Kariss Lynch
    
    You said it better. I definitely skipped a few steps. I look at passion more as a motivation to move in the direction of mastering that which we are passionate about. Practice is a necessity to link the two.
http://heathersunseri.com Heather Sunseri

Okay, I’ve tried that stupid C25K so many times I’ve lost count. I love to exercise, but running? I simply can’t do it. It never gets easier. Biking? No problem. Went on a 85 minute hilly bike ride the other day. It was hard, but I loved it. But I can’t run a single mile.

As with writing, it does take practice. Some days, when I’m not distracted by so many things, the words flow like a downhill bike ride. During the times when I’m working full time, parenting through soccer season, etc., the writing is a little harder, like running uphill.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Hah! Yeah, I hate biking, so to each his/her own.
http://www.suttonparks.com Sutton Parks

This is encouraging! Thanks Jeff. After going a few months without writing due to a personal situation, I tried to write a blog post yesterday. It was painful and not too good. I didn’t post it or even finish it. I wondered how I was able to finish a book last year when I can’t even write a short blog post. It sounds like I just have to start and slug it out with daily discipline. I can do that and it is better than thinking that I can’t write.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  same thing happens to me when i haven’t worked out for awhile.
http://www.brookegale.com Brooke Gale Luby

I can totally relate to this. There is an effort, but the more you do something, then more it becomes a part of you. Yet, once things start to feel like second nature, it’s important for me to give myself new challenges so I don’t get stagnant. On one hand, I want it to be easy. On the other hand, I know “easy” can be my enemy if it means I settle and stop chasing my passion.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  I like what you said better than what I said, Brooke.
http://diamondpconnect.blogspot.com/ diamondpconnect

It really should be effortless if that is your passion. I can write any time, anywhere with ease. Stories are always there in my head. Writing is something I enjoy and I don’t look at it like it’s a pain or hard to do, unlike life lol.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  I love that.
http://jonfulk.com Jon Fulk

ugh… you wrote this for me, didn’t you? i know this is truth… putting it into action is of course the hard part.
- http://www.justcris.com Cris Ferreira
  
  I think he wrote it for me… Including the “learn to play the guitar” part.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Yes, I did. And me.
http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

I’ve hit that same point where a lot of my posts are written in 20 minutes or less (longer if I’m suffering from major ADD that day. lol). It really is all about practice. I maintain 3 blogs now – my main blog, a marketing blog and my ministry’s blog and it seems like less work than when I started blogging regularly.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Goodness. I can’t imagine keeping up with all of that. To be clear: I don’t think posts SHOULD be written in 20 minutes, but sometimes they have to be. Practicing makes this easier.
  - http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana
    
    Well, I guess they aren’t really written in 20 minutes, as I’m constantly looking for ideas and figuring out what I want to write in my head days before I sit down and do the actual writing. I’ve usually spent a few hours on each post before I sit down at the keyboard.
Yagerdelagrange

Nice post, Jeff, and a good way to start my morning. I just got over several months of severe writer’s block and I’m finding that if I just write a little each day it’s better than not writing at all. I’m getting used to it, it’s coming more easily, just as you said.
Thanks.
Patti
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  glad to hear it, Patti.
http://www.thearmychapswife.net Lisa Walters

I am a new reader of yours and a new writer. This post was extremely encouraging for me!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  I’m glad, Lisa. Thanks for sharing… and for reading!
DrLindaTravelute

Jeff, thanks so much for the kick in the butt! I am very disciplined in many areas of my life. I eat healthy (really healthy!), I workout EVERYDAY (Insanity baby!), and never does a day go by without first starting it off having a talk with God and reading His Word. I am a solidly balanced gal….except…when it comes to churning out great articles on a regular basis.

The reason your post hit me where I needed it, is because just yesterday I was thinking, “Man, If I could just take the same ferocious discipline I channel into working out and push it into my writing schedule, I would be spitting out much more stuff that will change peoples lives. Thanks again, you shall hear more, because I’m going to be writing like you run!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks, Linda (or do I call you, “doctor”?). I love (and hate) Insanity.
  I think discipline begets more discipline, so you’re on a good track.
Anonymous

When I started reading this I was slouched in my chair meandering around the internet because I couldn’t get going on anything I need to start. By the time I finished I was sitting straight up and feeling energized. Just wanted to stop and make a quick comment before I get to work. This post was a gift Jeff, thank you.
- http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham
  
  Love that!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  wow. what a compliment. thank you!
http://John.do John Saddington

practice hasn’t worked for me and I’ve been doing it for more than a decade. i still sweat through it, more often than not.
- http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham
  
  a good sweat shows accomplishment though eh?
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  John, can you explain “hasn’t worked”? Do you mean it still doesn’t feel “effortless”? If so, then my suspicion is this: that’s because you’re driven by excellence.
  
  You want to get better and aren’t content with settling. That’s why even the most-ripped bodybuilder still break a sweat.
  
  Just my sense about you.
  - http://John.do John Saddington
    
    interesting point. i’m actually a path of least resistance kind of guy. excellence for me is simply doing, not the best of the best of the best of a thing.
    
    but, an interesting point and perspective!
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      Well then, i’m befuddled. Why do something for ten years if you don’t see improvement?
      - http://John.do John Saddington
        
        who said i was with the same blog for 10 years?
        
        http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
        
        I thought you did, John: “practice hasn’t worked for me and I’ve been doing it for more than a decade.”
        
        http://John.do John Saddington
        
        i’ve been blogging since 2001. but not on the same blog. anyone who’s followed me even in the past few years have seen a dozen or so new blogs. tentblogger is only 1 year 1 month old…
        
        http://John.do John Saddington
        
        http://tentblogger.com/first/
        
        http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
        
        Right, John. I didn’t say you had the same blog. I just said when you do something for ten years, it should get easier.
        
        http://John.do John Saddington
        
        i don’t agree with that at all…! i think that would offend a lot of people… especially anyone who is at the top of their game.
        
        i can’t imagine that any professional athlete would say that since they’ve been doing it for years that the game or competition is any easier… in fact, it’s probably just as hard (or more hard) to stay at the top of their game.
        
        i know that in my world, software development, i’ve been doing “that” for nearly 2 decades. it’s not any easier than it was when i first started…
        
        maybe you’re just speaking from the perspective of being a “writer” but i’ve read enough auto-biographies and biographies to know that even the best writers struggled through some of their greatest works, even if they had been doing it for years.
        
        curious perspective jeff…!
        
        http://joebunting.com Joe Bunting
        
        Interesting discussion.
        
        I think this is another semantics issue. A professional athlete might look back to the competition in his high school days and say it would be a lot easier to play with them.
        
        In other words, the individual task gets easier and easier. That’s one reason you move up to the next level, because you’re ready for a harder task.
        
        http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
        
        Thanks for the quotes.
        
        So a developer doesn’t build muscle memory and get better at his craft over time?
        
        Are you telling me that after doing something for twenty years, there aren’t aspects that are more natural now than the first time you did them?
        
        http://John.do John Saddington
        
        there’s definitely muscle memory involved but many of us don’t memorize code… much to your surprise perhaps.
        
        and no, it’s just as tough, just like the businesses that i build… it would be ridiculous for me to say that every businessi start is easier than the previous.
      - http://John.do John Saddington
        
        but honestly, i don’t write because i want to be a better writer.
        
        some people create because they want to create, not because they are looking to be the best. i fall into this category at times.
  - Anonymous
    
    Wow. Very interesting chat, fellas. Very interesting.
    - http://John.do John Saddington
      
      i think it’s a good and fair chat…! i wish i could write like some of these guys… man, if every post took me 10 minutes i’d be much more successful…!
      
      dang… i’m jealous!
http://www.josephwesley.com Joseph Wesley Putnam

This post is genius. Great work, Jeff.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks, man.
http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham

Chase passion, not mastery! Love it. Loving your passion for inspiring us to stop making excuses and just do it!
http://www.eileenknowles.blogspot.com Eileen

I think I’ve shared this before but I used to hate running. Now I love to run. I ran a half marathon earlier this year. I never thought I would ever be the type of person to run simply for the joy of running. The difference has been that I don’t put pressure on myself to do it perfectly anymore, I just do it for the pleasure of running. Writing is the same for me. If I become too concerned with doing it perfectly, it takes the joy out of it. But practice is the only way to get better at both.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  i think that’s really, REALLY important, Eileen.
http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

Interesting question. I’ve been blogging nearly every weekday since the beginning of July. I have noticed that most days the writing comes easier, but there are still days where it takes more effort.

I have found the similar thing in my running. I’m prepping for a marathon in November, and I have noticed that the running is generally easier than when I started my training. Although, I’ll occasionally have a day where my body doesn’t flow quite as smoothly.

Great post – I appreciated the analogy!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  I’ve experienced the same. Thanks for adding another level to this post, Jon. It needed it!
http://www.charlesspecht.com Charles Specht

This post made me think of that old Nike & Michael Jordan commercial…Just do it!
Jeff Goins…the “just do it” guy of inspirational writing.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Why am I not the “Michael Jordan” of writing?
  - http://www.charlesspecht.com Charles Specht
    
    MJ? Well, that would be amazing, wouldn’t it?
    But every Michael Jordan needs a Scottie Pippen to succeed. Without Scottie, MJ wouldn’t have many rings.
    Would you be happy to be a “Scottie”; a hall-of-famer but always 2nd best on the team?
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      hah! I’d rather think of Scottie as #1 in assists.
Anonymous

I can’t agree more. It’s the starting out that’s the hard part. I found that having a blog and promising myself to put up two posts a week, every week, was a big help. I also find translating fantastic practice. I’m working with words constantly, putting together sentences, crafting phrases, without having to come up with the idea to start with. It’s like playing with words. Then, when I do my own writing, it flows so much more easily.

I think the “efffortless” feeling you’re describing is known as “flow.” It doesn’t occur too often, but it’s what makes the whole thing worthwhile. It may also involve endorphins or other substances from the human endocanniboid system…
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  that’s a good observation. you’re probably right. it’s easier to get into the “groove.”
http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

Mastery doesn’t necessarily entail effortlessness. Creative activities in particular may actually get harder with practice, as one’s own expectations rise in concert with enhanced abilities, so one may spend ever more time and effort to refine and edit.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  that’s semantics in my opinion. it depends on your definition of “hard.” physically, it becomes easier for a person who has been working out to life the same amount of weight that used to be too much for him. he may choose to lift heavier weights because he wants to continue improving, but that’s his choice.
  - http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill
    
    Running and weightlifting are different in a sense that they are “whether” activities rather than “how” activities.
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      I don’t have any idea what that means, sorry.
      - http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill
        
        That’s because I deleted the explanatory paragraph and only posted the first sentence.
http://twitter.com/jenluit jenluit

So yeah. My entire book is about this, and I have a chapter that is nearly identical to your experience of going farther and farther, but I’ll spare you that detail. Yes. To all of it. We are capable of great things; we are after the run or the write or the whatever because of joy and passion. When those things are in place it is almost always effortless. BUT there are days that are better than others. And there are days when we fly. But we always DO. Oh, and tomorrow is a 15K that will be a warm up to my third half marathon. Keep running.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  very cool. what’s your book, Jen?
Navya

Love this post!

True love is always effortless. Period.
http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

Awesome … really freaking awesome.
I’ve got the consistent running thing down … now I just need to make it happen with writing.
One word at a time … I can!
Dariengabriel

Super post and my experience with running is similar. I’ll try the writing part now. Thx
http://John.do John Saddington

a new thread…

i think i just personally have a problem thinking that there’s some formula, even practice, that makes things easier giving people the false impression that “practice makes perfect.” I don’t believe that for a second.

i also think it cheapens the craft (whatever that “craft” is) by saying that you can make something easier. sometimes “easier” isn’t the goal and isn’t the point! there’s something beautiful about pouring sweat into your work. if my work was ever easy i’d probably quit it and find something else to do.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks for sharing, John. Spoken like a true entrepreneur. I definitely see your point and tried to speak to that aspect at the end of the post, where I mentioned that masters sweat, anyway. Of course, you can always get better and no one ever “arrives,” but I respectfully disagree with the idea that there is not a tipping point for any craft — where you start to gain momentum through practice. I’ve found this to be true in every aspect of my life, including writing, relationships, music, and personal fitness.
  I appreciate where your coming from and love your passion for hard work. Thanks for taking the time to discuss. I know you’re a busy guy.
  - http://John.do John Saddington
    
    and even the masters continue to sweat because it’s still a challenge!
    
    appreciate the conversation. i haven’t experienced a “tipping point” (even in the gladwell-esque way) in my life yet… perhaps i’m still working toward it. if you see it, let me know! in fact, you might get there before me!
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      I would argue that the masters sweat, because they still challenge themselves, not because a push-up is just as hard as it was when they began.
      Hmmm… you don’t see it with all the working out you’ve done? That seems to me to be the most obvious example. You seem to be getting into pretty good shape. But maybe you don’t see all disciplines equally (I do).
      - http://John.do John Saddington
        
        man, working out is a sore spot for me (pun intended)! perhaps you are right in that one push-up isn’t as hard the 1,000th time you do it.
        
        i think we do see discipline(s) differently, which is completely fine and acceptable!
        
        i like this back and forth, what a nice end to my week.
        
        thanks jeff!
        
        http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
http://nicolerushin.com Nicole Rushin

This is what sticks out for me,
“The ugly truth
Of course, when that day comes, it won’t be enough.”

It is kind of funny, but we can make plans and create dreams and one day wake and realize, holy crap, it is already here I am doing that. Like a kid riding a bike and they don’t realize the back of the back has been released.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  that’s how it sometimes feels — like riding a bike. i’ve fallen down so many times i can hardly believe that i’m pedaling all by myself now.
http://www.madebydenise.net Denise Smedley

I DO believe in Mastery- You summed up why with “Chase passion, not mastery” -

After nearly 14 years in confectionery arts, and doing it for the LOVE of it – it feels less and less like effort and more like second nature.

I’m not a master at my craft yet, but yeah… I’ve experienced the ease that comes with experience, thanks to being passion-driven.

And I can’t believe you wrote this in 10 minutes! - Great post!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks. well, i did do some editing after initially publishing. and to be fair, this isn’t the norm. but i really tried to push myself to make a point. in general, i’m a fan of allowing art to take time. however, as you get better, i do think there are parts that get easier.
http://thomasmarkzuniga.com TMZ

As a runner myself, love the running-writing tie-in. Such a neat and apt parallel.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  i learn so much about writing from running
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1352438167 Ines Franklin

I love running. Can’t do it any more because one of my hips-joint has worn out. I am stalling a hip replacement until I am older. Until then, I have transferred my passion and discipline for running into writing. Interestingly, I have found that writing is more like yoga. It is always a bit challenging but it also gives me energy for the rest of the day. I love writing. I don’t expect it to ever be easy, and that is what I love about it. I like puzzles too.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  yes, puzzles.
http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

Effortless writing = passion + having fun + tons of practice

I do believe there is a tipping point, definitely. I do believe writing should become effortless. If you’re practicing an instrument, after years of practice you get this same tipping point effect, where every new piece you pick up is much easier to play.

But even so-called masters of writing take their time to craft a piece. And the master musician will still have to sweat through the more complicated pieces, sometimes taking weeks to master.

Simple principles will always be easier to communicate for the master, just as simpler musical pieces will be easier to play for the master musician. And if that “master” has passion as their driving force, all the easier.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  you got it.
  - http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister
    
    I wrote that comment in 2 minutes. no joke.
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      funnyman.
http://SignificantEncounters.com Deborah

I believe it should get easier with practice. If you are passionate about your topic, and sincere about wanting to share it with others, then it is more than likely the thing you are supposed to be doing. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  nice.
Paul – @pjc21

Just fantastic. Now I need to start running. Great post.
http://jguitarnash.com Jim Woods

”We’re sitting here, and we’re talking about practice. I mean listen, we’re sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we’re talking about practice.”
Good post, Jeff. We all (even Allen Iverson too) need to practice more.
http://tiaras-and-trucks.blogspot.com Angela

There should always be sweat Sure, you can stay stagnant and tread water, but where’s the fun in that?
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  This post seems to have engaged two camps: 1) those who sincerely want to practice writing (or anything) to get better at it, and 2) those who always want to feel the reward of doing hard work. I think both are valid, but I do think that Camp #2 is overlooking the fact that sometimes it’s okay to tread water. Sometimes, you need to catch your breath. And that’s what all that practicing was for. So that you can meet a deadline, fulfill expectations, or simply get a job done. Sometimes, you don’t bleed at the keyboard. You just do an honest day’s work, which wouldn’t have been possible were it not for all that practice. I could be wrong.
  - http://tiaras-and-trucks.blogspot.com Angela
    
    When you put it that way, yes, there’s always a place for that “easy run” when things just fall into place because of the sweat and work of the previous weeks. I guess I worry that if I let myself get into that habit, I’ll get comfortable and stop pushing myself to improve my writing. And I’m just getting into a groove, so stopping now would be a disaster
http://www.melismaticwriting.wordpress.com Rosanna

I just wrote a post about new beginnings and while writing I realized the reason why I don’t write regularly. It’s because of the the PURPOSE that I attached to my blog writing. Being clear about why we write can also help us write effortlessly.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  good call
http://www.bryanmccarty.com Bryan McCarty

Love this post. It’s easy to dream, make plans, make a to-do list, or sit around and talk about “someday”. Sometimes, you just gotta write! Don’t think, just write, write, write. Thanks for the encouragement Jeff!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  indeed. my pleasure, Bryan. Thanks for commenting!
http://ochalatta.wordpress.com/ Min

Sometimes the best way to get started on anything is just… to get started!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  indeed. it may be the only way.
Ashley Prince

“Chase passion, not mastery.” That truly just made my day.

The past two days I have not been able to write. Not because I don’t want to, but because I couldn’t get the posts to be “perfect.” This was just what I needed. Thank you.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks, ashley. i wrote a post on perfectionism that might help, as well: http://goinswriter.com/perfectionist-writer/
http://twitter.com/LindseyMstar Lindsey Morningstar

As always with your posts, this was perfectly said and so needed for me to hear. And if this is what you can do in 10minutes, I can’t even imagine an hour of your time!
http://www.how-to-play-bass.com/ Paul Wolfe

Jeff

There’s a whole heap of commenting I could add to this. I don’t wanna hijack your great post though!

For the moment I’ll limit myself to saying that even if you have a long term goal of mastery you have to enjoy the long journey to get there as well. Otherwise when you achieve your goal you’ll probably find it reasonably empty – because as you say there is always more to do and more to achieve.

I remember a story about jazz sax player Michael Brecker (who sadly died young a few years ago). For 15 to 20 years he was comfortably the best sax player in jazz – and yet he still practiced 10 to 12 hours a day. (Every freaking day!). He was asked why? And he replied (I’m paraphrasing) – there’s always more to learn. Always.

And you’ve hit the nail on the head – doing something ‘effortlessly’ is simply a matter of practicing it enough. Actually that’s not 100% accurate – what you need to do is ‘practice perfectly’ – and then repeat many, many times. The process of repetition will engrain the neural circuit that’s associated with that activity – and as if by magic, you can do something effortlessly.
(One of the problems I have with teaching the bass is that it often seems counter-intuitive to students that the quickest way to learn a bass line to a song or piece of music is to learn it ridiculously slowly – but play it perfectly. And repeat it over and over. Same with anything).

Good post – some good comments too.

Paul
http://thisblankpage.com Timothy Snyder

I love how running works as an analogy for so many things. I also just love running.
http://twitter.com/josephinesicad Josephine Sicad

i wish i read this long time ago. and i love how you compare it to running…coz i luv running,too… and blogging (writing)…along side my photography…and i like to grow better at whatever im doing now …every word you just wrote resonated Jeff. Thanks a lot. really. =)
http://catchmyfall.org vera

try 750words.com you’re encouraged to write 750 words everyday. and all documents are private
http://www.freelancewritingblog.com Ruth Zive

Some great comments below; I’ll add simply that in my opinion, this phenomenon you describe (resulting from ‘practice’) extends beyond passion or mastery.

I think it’s about equanimity. And practice (yoga practice, in my case) is what helps us to achieve equanimity.

We need to be sufficiently detached that we repeat the task over and over again, no matter what. There MUST be days when you don’t feel like running (or writing). But when you refuse to change your behaviour based on a passing feeling or thought (I’m tired; it’s cold out; I don’t have any good ideas to write about), you establish a rhythm. You continue on the course that you know is right and good. And you forge ahead.

Great post Jeff!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  interesting. thanks for sharing that, Ruth.
http://twohourblogger.com Martyn Chamberlin

Dude. This thing’s really buzzing.

I’m envious. What are you clocking? I ran 1.5 miles the other day in 11 minutes and puked. That’s terrible shape, and I’m even exercising regularly.

Great job with the writing. You’re really getting good at this.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Thanks, man. I did a 7-miler yesterday and averaged 8.5/mile, but that was really booking it. I think I slowed down towards the end. I credit the music mostly. Thanks, man. I wish I had the upper-body opportunities you get to have; still throwing around bags of cement?
  - http://twohourblogger.com Martyn Chamberlin
    
    Upper-body opportunities? Heh, I’ve got a thin frame. Nothing comes natural. And no, you better believe I’m not throwing around cement. Too busy making real money.
    - http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
      
      oh well then, i take it all back.
http://shewritesandrights.blogspot.com Bethany Suckrow

“I’m running the most consistently I’ve ever run in my life, and it’s causing me the least amount of pain.” Such a vivid way of explaining it, Jeff. Way to go.
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  thanks, bethany.
http://www.yTravelBlog.com/ yTravelBlog

If only we all realized that none of us were born to be mediocre. The very act of us being alive is testament to that!
Great post. Many people ask me how I manage to publish on two blogs almost daily, and it as you say, it is because I practice daily and can now write a post in a short amount of time. It blows me away at how almost effortless it does become. I love it!
http://www.facebook.com/nymfs Nymfa Aranas

I look forward to that day when writing to me would be as effortless as eating or talking.
http://askaaronlee.com Aaron Lee

Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely something we all should do starting TODAY. Starting is always the hardest, now I gotta start doing both of this everyday too!

THANKS!
http://www.yTravelBlog.com/ yTravelBlog

I am always being asked how I can manage to publish at least 5 times a week on two blogs, and the answer is pretty much what you have summed up here.
Because I have published almost daily for eighteen months, ideas come to me really easily and I can write a post in a very short space of time. I love it!
- http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
  
  Awesome. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.facebook.com/missyjcat Jessica Chan

Hi Jeff! I love your article, and I love that you connected it with running, which is something I find myself doing a lot– the practice of both and the lessons learned from success in both can be applied so much to living successfully too. I wrote a blog post along the same vein as yours and I was wondering if you had any thoughts around it: http://www.enableher.com/2011/10/enableher/6-tips-on-how-to-start-writing-write-better-and-write-more-often

Oops sorry I pressed “Post” before I was done. But anyway, I started a blog myself and my goal was to write at least every other day. Some days are better than others, and everytime I fall off the wagon, I like to reread posts like yours and even my own past posts to get remotivated. Anyway, thanks for the article and if you have any thoughts on mine I’d love to hear them!
Unni Buendia

wow it’s my first time here
this post is so inspiring…
i always dream to become a good writer but im lack of confidence…
now you gave me courage to do my passion

“Chase passion not mastery”

Hooray for this post!!!
Pingback: y Travel Blog Week in Review ending November 6 | y Travel Blog
http://twitter.com/asefati Alireza Sefati

I am going to offer my SEO services free for the holidays to local people in San Diego. How do you suggest I get the news out there?
http://twitter.com/HowlsCheers Craig_Os

Hey Jeff,
Don’t ask me how, I really can’t remember how I accidentally found a link to your blog. However it happened I really like your writing and titles too!

Just so you know I just subscribe to your RSS feed and email updates. I don’t want to miss anything that happens here, or worst yet just plain forget about your blog.
http://twitter.com/michelledkeyes Michelle D. Keyes

Nothing truly worth doing is ever easy. Some of the hardest things in life (childbirth, relationships, knowledge, wisdom) only come through hard effort, sweat, tears, failure, trying as much as it takes, and time.
http://www.patwashington.blogspot.com Pat Washington

“Let’s find something we love so much that it drives us to want to be the best in the world. And when we find we’re not, may we shrug with indifference, because we love doing it, anyway.”

Oooo, I like that! To do it anyway — that’s the secret, to do what we love. And in the process we develop our own voice, share our soul with others, and make this world a more beautiful place — if not by our chosen art, then at least by how beautiful we become as individuals who are actively engaged in the particular gifts God gave us.
Poppy

Wow. Wish I could write like that. Heck I wish I could jog like that. Thanks for the encouraging post. I’ll be coming abck for more.
EmbodimentChronicle

Well said and inspiring! Chase passion, not mastery. A fantastic reminder. http://www.embodimentchronicle.wordpress.com
Kate Trafford

Chasing ‘passion, not mastery’… it’s not only a key to effortless
writing, it’s a key to effortless succes in general! Wonderful article, which I’ll be sharing. Thank you… Kate x
http://www.CruiseControlForLife.com
Cmbryan

Jeff, your writing posts (I just read five of them) totally inspired me! Totally! Did I just say totally? Totally! I came to your site via Michael Hyatts tweet today. Been sitting on my hands lately with all sorts of “stuff” going through my head–oh no, not stuff–I meant “things”–oh no, not things–, I meant ideas floating around in my head that I need to get out and onto a page. Your manifesto is just what I needed to jumpstart my finding “everything in the world to do” but the one thing I really want to–write the stories overflowing in my head and my heart. I would write more here, but as Toby MaGuire said in Seabiscuit, “oops, there’s my hole, gotta go!!
Kathy H.

As you say, things like running may come more easily for you with practice. But some of us (like me) have different experiences with running, etc.

I’ve had a couple accidents that have caused major ongoing problems for my body. So when I attempted to train for a marathon with a friend once, I ended up with an injury that took months to heal. In the process, I found I needed orthotics and help from several kinds of medical and alternative practitioners.

The thing I agree with here is that there’s nearly always something that needs to be worked out, for each of us. Until I work MINE out, I’ve found there is often very little smooth sailing in whatever area I’m working on, as well as a need to work hard to get past the obstacles, often. And THEN it can become easier.

I may have had such a dysfunctional family that I can’t treat others right, or blocks to being artistic because some teacher consistently put me down when I drew. We all have things to work through, right? That’s life. Each of us may help others just by managing to get mastery over our own hurdles, and that can be a part of the fun!
http://twitter.com/observerph AteMyx

I love your blog. And I love this post.

Now, that was effortless.
http://hellopalz.wordpress.com/ Priya

Forget writing, i hardly used to read. Probably should blame my affiliation to handicrafts and artwork. Like photography, writing is a major part of voicing out ones opinion, especially while hosting a blog. With an opportunity to write a travel ‘n inspiration article for a magazine, I’m here on ur site to learn more abt writing. Great posts, Thanks!http://hellopalz.wordpress.com/
Michelle White

I love this post, and have come back to read it a few times now. Very inspiring, as is your entire blog! I want my writing to one day be effortless, too, because I am always seeking to master my craft.
Michelle White

I love this post, and have come back to read it a few times now. Very inspiring, as is your entire blog! I want my writing to one day be effortless, too, because I am always seeking to master my craft.
http://peopleperhour.com/ Freelance

The key to success is always passion. If you write for something you are passionate about the words tend to come out effortless. You write and write and your problem is that after finishing you will have to narrow it down. But what happens when passion is missing? That’s the real trouble
http://theannoyinglife.com/ Kevin Martin

If it’s effortless, then you’re not doing it right.
http://recoveryalongroute66.com/ Chris

But you didn’t really write it in 10 minutes then, did you? You wrote it in ( x yrs of practice) and 10 minutes…. It’s misleading, Jeff. It’s not really effortless, it takes skill and practice. I hated practicing piano, and was made to do it as a kid. Guess what? I don’t play the piano anymore.
http://www.retireyoung.com.au/ Serena Star Leonard

Hey Jeff, I just found your blog today and love it already!
I aimed to write 1000 words a day as my new habit. But it has not happened. 1000 words in half an hour seems outrageous, but after reading this I may just have to change my routine a little. Love your work : )
Ca Erna Tacata

thank you for sharing, this is indeed a wonder blog. i could feel that what your doing is really your passion: writing and adding value to others. ^^,)
Benedict

I must admit that i just love this. I happened to read your post when I really needed something like this. It really served as a spark for my own venture into writing. I kept getting disappointed when I couldn’t master it. Now I’m gonna focus only on the pursuit of my passion.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631712773 Lois A Becker

The above article is so true Jeff. Even though I realize this, I still don’t do it. I want to write but make time sporadically for it. I let my travel nurse life get in my way. I know, an excuse, but that’s how it feels sometimes. Thanks for the article. Will keep reading your site.
Rrderitpp

A simple, and helpful post. You make it sound so easy too though I know now why. Great post.
Alex

you’re not a writer. you’re a salesman with good grammar. these people are thanking you and reading you because you tell them its ok to toot their own horn. because they want to agree with you. because you paint them a picture of health and wealth and youth and passion and self fulfillment and then you recycle it and you sell the same damn words for a dollar and everyone goes home happy having bought the dream. but you’re an opportunist sir. a marketer. an evangelist. not a writer. a writer has integrity. a writer has soul. a writer has passion. doesn’t just talk about it. his words come from his bones. words must be rank. they must disgust some while others salivate. like marrow or fois gras. yours do neither. your passion is a whine, at best. it is unfortunate that the era of self help has spread its disease to “writing.” a word i now find meaningless because of this. i hope some part of you feels this truth. accepts the sham for the money making endeavor that it primarily is. but maybe not. maybe these days passion is synonymous with sterility. maybe i fell asleep before i was even born. after all i’m only 26. you have some years on me.

at least the blog looks nice. is that an olivetti?
- Kc
  
  Alex, how about capitalizing? Also, there is nothing wrong with using your God given talent and passion to make money. Learn that now at 26 or plan on being broke most of your life. The biggest lie I believed when I was young was any version of ‘money doesn’t matter’.
JustDrive PH

Subscribed. Your writing inspires me a lot! Thank you!
Martygav

Great article, and very true. In this day and age of instant gratification with the internet and mobile technology (the world at our hands) it’s more important than ever to remember that we need to work at, or practice, the things we really want. Your exercise analogy was spot on.

A few years back I got up off my butt and started to work out. It was hard at first, but I just kept going and going and in time it became a routine and a habit and grew easier. There was no mystery or magic to it…it was as as simple as that.

Since that time, I have tackled other new things and it was the same…hard at first, but grew easier. When we were all kids, we were handed tons of new things to do and learn, and we didn’t always have the knowledge of how hard it would be to get good at stuff, we just went to do it, or we were pushed to do it, and eventually we were competent and even great at new things.

It’s the same with writing, and I’m working on it myself, and it;’s no doubt easier today that it was a while back when I finally started to do it again.

One last thing….writer’s write. No point in claiming to be a writer and NOT writing.
http://www.guideplease.com/ Mairaj Pirzada

That’s inspirational piece, Jeff.
Tarisai Mzwimbi

To a certain extent, writing and running (or whatever else you enjoy) should indeed be effortless because it’s proof of energy deposited and directed towards the right place.
http://twitter.com/DanielleNGomes Danielle Gomes

I absolutely love your blog!
Kcornwall

Very inspiring. Your words are powerful. Love this blog
Jennifer

After so many years of running away from who I am, I am so grateful that there is someone who has had exactly the same struggles with writing as I have. Thank you Jeff for your transparency.
Anne

I am looking for a software program that can help me structure and guide me in writing my first book. Any opinions on StoryWeaver Story Development software or
Movie Magic Screenwriter software?