Searching for Signal Amongst the Noise

Searching for Signal Amongst the Noise

Focusing our writing on what matters most

Image by Florian Klauer on Unsplash

Distractions surround us, a constant tension in our day. Some distractions are obvious, some are subtle. Some are new to us, others are old foes.

For the modern day writer, the distractions have never been more voluminous. The pull towards overwhelm is strong.

AI, search engine optimization, algorithms, tools, publishing platforms, newsletters, blogs, social media, Patreon, YouTube, self-publishing, traditional publishing. On it goes.

The choices for the writer are many and within these choices comes a paradox. Too much choice can lead to us freezing in the blocks.

We get so distracted by the noise that surrounds our writing that we forget the most important component of that journey, the writing itself.

Seeking Signal

Embracing aspects of simplicity in our writing means we learn to let go of distractions. In place, we get something else back.

As we let go of the distraction of keeping up with others, we can focus on what ideas it is we want to explore most in our own writing instead.

As we let go of the false need to have more writing tools than we need , we have more freedom to create new essays, blog posts or book projects.

We learn that if we let go of the false hope of getting everything done at once (via multi-tasking), we can single-task instead. As a bonus, we achieve better results and outputs. More gets finished. Less stress, more focused effort.

Learning to Let Go

Simplifying our approach to writing involves learning to let go. Learning to be selective with what we let in.

There is a purity in letting go of distractions. We narrow our focus. The noise around us has the volume turned down. The essential makes itself heard, the unnecessary falls away. We channel our effort and energy. We have clarity of purpose.

We can learn to let go of distractions and begin to reap the rewards of a more focused approach to our writing.

Your Words Matter

Live to a higher standard. Make your work stand for something. Make your words mean something. Make your work live and breathe. Embrace your craft with the respect it deserves. Honor the craft.

Make your words and work matter. Give the best you have in you today. Commit to turn up and do the same tomorrow and the day after.

Let go of the distractions that sit around writing and just focus on the writing itself. Simple, never easy.

Commit to the path.

Your audience are out there and they are waiting for your best, most vulnerable and most insightful work. More than this, they need it.

How are you going to serve them?

Carl writes short books full of big ideas, including Write: Simple Ways to Uncover Your Best Work. He is also the proud owner of Frictionless Living which is about the pursuit of simplicity to help us focus on what matters most. It’s about finding clarity in distracted times.