Writing isn't always easy. Sometimes the words flow like a river, and other times, they feel stuck like a stubborn cork in a bottle. But even with the challenges, I'm discovering a newfound love for the craft. This 90-day challenge has already brought some unexpected insights and exciting wins.
10 Days In, a Lifetime to Go
After 10 days of consistent writing, here are a few things I've realized:
Organizing My Thoughts: Writing is like a brain dump, a way to make sense of the swirling thoughts and ideas in my head. It forces me to think critically, recall experiences, and extract valuable lessons that might benefit others. It's like a public journal, a way to process my own journey while hopefully offering something of value to readers.
Endless Inspiration: Contrary to the "writer's block" myth, there's truly no shortage of topics to write about. Life itself is a never-ending source of inspiration. Every experience, every interaction, every observation holds the potential for a story, a reflection, or a lesson learned. Don't be afraid to put your thoughts out there; you might be surprised by what you discover.
Writing with Purpose: I've been paying close attention to the engagement and impressions on my posts. It's clear that the topics that resonate most with people are those that offer value and benefit to them. It's not about sharing my life for the sake of sharing; it's about writing with the reader in mind, offering insights, perspectives, and takeaways that can enrich their lives.
The OG Writer in My Life
My passion for writing seems to be in my blood. My grandfather, after whom I'm named, was a lifelong writer. He wrote until his last breath, even making headlines in a major national newspaper in his 80s for his passionate opinions on local politics and current events. He even wrote an autobiography on an old typewriter! His dedication to the craft is a constant source of inspiration.
Content is King (and Leverage)
My writing journey isn't just about personal expression; it's about building my brand and creating content that adds value to others. Content is leverage. It's a way to connect with people, build relationships, and make a positive impact on the world. I'm committed to writing daily, knowing that even in this small way, I can contribute something meaningful. My dream is to expand this into different formats and platforms, reaching a wider audience and building deeper connections.
Early Wins and Looking Ahead
The past 10 days have already brought some encouraging results:
My LinkedIn newsletter (where I repost my Substack articles) gained over 1,000 new subscribers in just one week!
My LinkedIn posts reached over 4,000 members and generated 10,000 impressions in one week, with my "Why I Love Japan" post leading the way with over 2,200 impressions.
My Facebook posts have garnered over 27,000 views and almost 1,000 interactions. My birthday post had the highest engagement, but surprisingly, my "meant for something BIG" post had the highest reach.
Substack is off to a slower start, but I'm seeing steady growth with 12 subscribers, 350 views, and a 52% average open rate.
I'm excited to see where this journey takes me. I'm committed to completing the 90-day challenge and then continuing for a full year. Who knows what doors this might open?
What are your thoughts on the power of writing and content creation? Share your experiences and aspirations in the comments below!
Peace.✌️ Love you all.😍