6 Powerful Lessons from Writing and Publishing 30 Atomic Essays in 30 Days

Writing 30 atomic essays in 30 days, starting from May 6, 2024, has been a transformative experience. Participating in the Ship 30 for 30 programs not only tested my discipline but also provided valuable lessons that I would like to share. Here are the six key takeaways from this writing marathon.

1. The Power of Public Announcement

Making a public commitment to write daily for 30 days served as a powerful motivator. By announcing my intentions, I created a social contract that held me accountable. The imagined anticipation from my audience pushed me to consistently produce content, reinforcing the importance of external accountability in achieving personal goals.

2. Morning Writing vs. Evening Writing

I found that early mornings were the most productive times for writing. The tranquillity and lack of distractions in the early hours allowed for uninterrupted thought and creativity. In contrast, afternoons and evenings were filled with distractions and fatigue, making it harder to focus. This insight underscores the importance of choosing the right time of day for creative tasks to maximize productivity.

3. Leveraging Data and Feedback

One of the most enlightening aspects of the program was the immediate feedback received from posting content on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Unlike a personal blog, these social media platforms provided quick, diverse reactions and insights from a broader audience. This real-time feedback was instrumental in refining my writing and understanding audience preferences.

4. The Endorphins of Achievement

The sense of accomplishment after writing and publishing each article was immensely rewarding. This ‘endorphin rush’ acted as a positive reinforcement, encouraging me to continue the daily writing habit. The feel-good factor of completing a task is a powerful motivator and can drive one to maintain consistency in their efforts.

5. Prioritizing Completion Over Perfection
Throughout the process, a friend provided helpful edits and suggestions post-publication. This highlighted a critical lesson: focusing on completion rather than perfection. Striving for perfection often delays publication and can impede progress. Emphasizing completion allowed me to maintain the daily writing schedule and progressively improve through feedback and iteration.

6. Writing on Topics of Interest

Choosing to write about topics I am passionate about—public speaking, executive communication, and life/career development—kept me motivated throughout the challenge. Writing on subjects of personal interest not only made the process enjoyable but also ensured a steady flow of ideas and enthusiasm. Passion-driven content resonates more with readers and keeps the writer engaged.

Future Aspirations

This 30-day writing challenge has inspired me to set even bigger writing goals. The experience has not only enhanced my writing skills but also deepened my understanding of the creative process. As I look forward to future projects, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the personal growth achieved through this journey.

For those interested in reading the essays, you can find them on the following platforms:
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanmusolini/recent-activity/articles
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethanmusolini
– Typeshare: https://typeshare.co/ethanmusolini (complete collection of the 30 articles)

Thank you, God, for this incredible journey and the lessons learned along the way.