On the third of February 2022 I published my first actual post on my blog, a day before, I had entered into "a 30 days" writing challenge. From the very beginning, I was sure I would make it to the end of the challenge, I had all the motivation I needed. I almost didn't make it to submission time a few days later.
It is funny how consistently I submitted a few minutes till the gates of heaven closed, but never missed entry, even it meant pulling old content and reworking it for a day.
It wasn't a personal challenge, but my really close friends could tell that I took it seriously. I would occasionally put off paid work to make sure I completed my content for the day before getting back to work.
I got valuable feedback from the group and a couple of head bursting comments on my works. Essentially renewing my confidence in my skill.
As a content and copywriter, I have not been a stranger to writing. Instead, I had become too familiar with delivering on jobs I had not taken time to write for myself. The challenge gave me the chance to write for myself, and I learned a couple of things I would like to share.
5 lessons you can learn from.
1- If you don't try your hand at something, you will never really know how good you are.
I have always been good at creating beautiful content, but I had never really stayed at storytelling because many of the Jobs I got didn't require it. I always liked it, (I write short stories and poetry) but I had not fully learned to incorporate it into concern and copywriting. I tried it once, and it almost became a drug. If you have read one or two of my posts you would be familiar with Jim and Mike, the money-wise friends. I'll get better and keep telling compelling stories. Stay tuned.
2- You can write every day.
If they told you you can't write something meaningful every day for an extended period they lied to you. Initially writing is not an easy task, but you get better the more you write, you learn the needed hacks and gain muscle elasticity. You can always write better with each day of writing. You would need help along the way which leads me to number 3.
3- A structure always makes things easy.
The first task we were given was to create a content calendar or a list of 30 potential topics, and while I deviated so far from the original list, it gave me a sense of structure. I could always go back to the list when I was unsure of what to write next. There are still topics on that list I'll get back to eventually.
4- Community is an integral part of development.
Whenever you want to engage in a task like this, the community is vital to your success. Triple C created a community where feedback made your writing worth it. A good community keeps you on your toes. There were days when I had not started writing and a particular WhatsApp notification would remind me that someone was already submitting their entry for the day, and the 9:00 pm submission or get booted out strategy was extremely effective for keeping me in check.
5- Discipline is freaking hard but worth it.
I am quite glad I stuck through to the end. Writing every day is not easy, the fact is you'll get tired, but consistently showing up has its reward, you feel good about yourself, and you notice progress as a result of your discipline. Keep at it, it is worth it.
What Next?
I intend to take out time after this challenge to review all of the content I have put up on my blog. Ensure they are SEO-worthy while practising SEO optimization in the process. I plan to create content calendars more frequently, write much more, experiment with my writing, and evolve my skills beyond what it is now.
I made it to the end of this challenge, and I would like to congratulate others who took up the challenge and saw it through till the last day. The organizers have been amazing, and my readers have been encouraging, special mention to Esther Asuquo; you deserve plenty of accolades. She basically pushed fantastic it to the end. You are fantastic, friend.
Thank you Triple C.
What to do.
Take opportunities to be better, participate in tasks that will stretch you. Leave your comfort zone.
Selah.
