Just found your work, Tim. Thanks for saying this so clearly. It gave me a LOT to think back on.
In my work as an editor, probably by year seven or eight I realized that nine out of 10 writers come to someone like me looking for permission to say the thing they really want to say. Doesn’t matter how accomplished or educated (or published) they are—there is a line that a lot of people walk right up to and then turn around again. And then they spend all their energy trying to give themselves permission rather than giving that attention to The Thing they want to write, say or do.
Once I noticed this, I started changing how I delivered feedback and guidance. I try to be the kind of editor that focuses on the elements of accessible writing and points out when their instincts are spot on. I want them to keep trusting themselves and their inner knowing around writing, and hopefully that translates to other areas of life too.
Oh thanks for sharing that! You know, I just began reading your work but I’d love to share some feedback. Can I reach back out in a month once I’ve had a chance to watch your publishing cadence and writing style more closely?
Yes, starting a business is one of my goals. I have started a newsletter in an attempt to build an audience to then upsell digital assets or services too. Unfortunately it's slow growing.
I post all my posts to Twitter/x. I was planning on posting to other social media l too, but I realized I had no monetization strategy. I don't want to get a bunch of subscriptions without a few ways to get them into something more. I read a lot about people with lots of followers and no way to monetize.
You're right, being online does give a special kind of freedom to be able to do anything. You can do it anytime, anywhere, with tools already at your disposal.
Just look at Substack. All you have to do to sign up is have an email. You don't even have to own a computer. You can go and use one at the library if you have to. Or write from your smartphone. Everyone has the tools.
Yes, I do have a newsletter here. I write about mental health, personal development, spirituality and motherhood.
I am trying to formulate a new master plan for the new year. My goal with my writing is to help others in the best way possible, but that's a bit vague. I am trying to get more in touch with my life's purpose and write something that aligns.
I think the problem for me is that I see all these world issues that need fixing, and I know we need to come together at a deeper social level to fix them. Like climate change, global poverty and hunger, homelessness, and so much more. I think we need to find a better way to prioritize them.
Climate change ultimately (probably?) needs to come first. But to come together to fix it, there are so many other interconnected issues. Teasing out which one is most important is difficult. I think that is why there is so much stagnation in society. We feel paralyzed because there is too much that needs to be done.
.... sorry this got to be a bit of a long reply.
Really, on a personal level, I am trying to prioritize and figure out what I can do to make the most impact and do the most good.
It is growing, somewhat slow, but alright. I think the thing I struggle with is posting content that is "more exclusive" here vs. anywhere else. Should I make a switch from Medium and my blog and post more here? Or how is everyone else doing it?
Just crossed 100 posts (publishes every night at 7 pm central time). I agree, just go do it, everything I want in life is behind fear and resistance. I break through every chance I get. 2024 will be f*cking phenomenal! No permission required!!!
I had a very bad week. Sunday I found out a friend died, Monday my long-term girlfriend broke up via text, Tuesday my daughter (out of state) had a health event (she's fine). It sent me both into a tailspin, but also woke me up. First, I got rid of everything that wasn't serving me. Second, I realized that fear is an illusion which I needed to break through. Posting publicly about my personal stuff scared me to death, so I did it. Now I love to write every night, laptop propped on my knees while I sit on my bed. I have some big hairy goals and each day remember that everything I want is behind fear and resistance, so I blow through the fear and resistance every day. How about you? What got you started and why do you stay?
What got me started on Substack is I got tired of all the censorship and Nanny Police on social media. This is a platform where I can be myself and don't have to ask any person or publication for permission to share my thoughts.
That makes a lot of sense. It's amazing how much censorship there is on big platforms. Of course there are the trolls too, blech. What's your "next big thing" you are doing for yourself?
Thx for the elaborate storyline around identity, call it autonomie or doing justice to your self. Your perspective on the pandemic nature of neglecting this need is confirmed by the respondents of 13leaders. A significant numbers is oriented to inclusion, wanting to belong and therefore dependant of being accepted. My hunch is that the gatekeepers mentioned would be the ones leaning to assertion.
Keep infusing from down under 🦘🇦🇺🌏, great perspective from there 🙃
I do agree that especially in today's world, the internet has been beneficial and empowering for many average citizens, in terms of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Though of course, people at first do need to gain insight and awareness into how certain things work and how to effectively utilize certain tools online to establish themselves and connect with others.
Practice makes perfect I guess. It really is a nice touch. Very professional with the storytelling voice infection. The message was powerful but imo the voiceover made it more personal
It is up to one thing: STOP waiting for other's acceptance and DO! Just DO!
Good one again! Thanks!
Spot on maximum. Give yourself permission instead of self-reject.
Just found your work, Tim. Thanks for saying this so clearly. It gave me a LOT to think back on.
In my work as an editor, probably by year seven or eight I realized that nine out of 10 writers come to someone like me looking for permission to say the thing they really want to say. Doesn’t matter how accomplished or educated (or published) they are—there is a line that a lot of people walk right up to and then turn around again. And then they spend all their energy trying to give themselves permission rather than giving that attention to The Thing they want to write, say or do.
Once I noticed this, I started changing how I delivered feedback and guidance. I try to be the kind of editor that focuses on the elements of accessible writing and points out when their instincts are spot on. I want them to keep trusting themselves and their inner knowing around writing, and hopefully that translates to other areas of life too.
Wow this is a huge insight Amanda!!! I'm writing it in my Notes app.
If you had to give me brutal feedback on my writing what would you say?
Oh thanks for sharing that! You know, I just began reading your work but I’d love to share some feedback. Can I reach back out in a month once I’ve had a chance to watch your publishing cadence and writing style more closely?
Confirmation of instinct is spot on. That‘s what we need to reconcile with so that self-determination can emerge.
So true Peter!
Trying hard to get promoted really hits home. Thanks for writing this!
No probs Richard. Have to experienced this promotion dilemma yourself?
Yes, it took me a couple years to get promoted to where I wanted to be.
Is starting a business ever an option for you or do you like working a job?
Yes, starting a business is one of my goals. I have started a newsletter in an attempt to build an audience to then upsell digital assets or services too. Unfortunately it's slow growing.
Are you using social media to fuel the growth of your Substack?
I post all my posts to Twitter/x. I was planning on posting to other social media l too, but I realized I had no monetization strategy. I don't want to get a bunch of subscriptions without a few ways to get them into something more. I read a lot about people with lots of followers and no way to monetize.
Really enjoyed this one mate. Inspired some writing of my own. If you're interested in reading it, I will post it and tag you or email you it.
Thanks for expressing yourself in public. Hopefully you inspire more people to do so without seeking permission.
Cheers Kage. Can you tag me in your piece so I can read it?
For sure.
Thanks!
I've tagged you in two posts linked below. Hope you get a chance to read.
https://kagelockhart.substack.com/p/permission-to-relax?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
https://kagelockhart.substack.com/p/the-search-for-real-life?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
Tim, this is one of your best articles written! Thank you! :))))))))))))))))))))))))
Melanie that means the world to me. Thank you. I'm smiling from ear to ear! What stood out for you in this essay? What was the big unlock?
You're right, being online does give a special kind of freedom to be able to do anything. You can do it anytime, anywhere, with tools already at your disposal.
Just look at Substack. All you have to do to sign up is have an email. You don't even have to own a computer. You can go and use one at the library if you have to. Or write from your smartphone. Everyone has the tools.
Bang on Nicole. Do you do anything on Substack or have plans to? Do you have an online goal?
Yes, I do have a newsletter here. I write about mental health, personal development, spirituality and motherhood.
I am trying to formulate a new master plan for the new year. My goal with my writing is to help others in the best way possible, but that's a bit vague. I am trying to get more in touch with my life's purpose and write something that aligns.
I think the problem for me is that I see all these world issues that need fixing, and I know we need to come together at a deeper social level to fix them. Like climate change, global poverty and hunger, homelessness, and so much more. I think we need to find a better way to prioritize them.
Climate change ultimately (probably?) needs to come first. But to come together to fix it, there are so many other interconnected issues. Teasing out which one is most important is difficult. I think that is why there is so much stagnation in society. We feel paralyzed because there is too much that needs to be done.
.... sorry this got to be a bit of a long reply.
Really, on a personal level, I am trying to prioritize and figure out what I can do to make the most impact and do the most good.
Awesome. Is your Substack going well in terms of growth? What have you found hard about it?
It is growing, somewhat slow, but alright. I think the thing I struggle with is posting content that is "more exclusive" here vs. anywhere else. Should I make a switch from Medium and my blog and post more here? Or how is everyone else doing it?
You need a traffic generator. LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent for this.
Daily Substack Notes are helpful too.
Thank you! I do post on those, but I probably need to change up the strategies that I am using.
Just crossed 100 posts (publishes every night at 7 pm central time). I agree, just go do it, everything I want in life is behind fear and resistance. I break through every chance I get. 2024 will be f*cking phenomenal! No permission required!!!
Love the energy here Robert. You're definitely in the right place. What made you start a Substack?
I had a very bad week. Sunday I found out a friend died, Monday my long-term girlfriend broke up via text, Tuesday my daughter (out of state) had a health event (she's fine). It sent me both into a tailspin, but also woke me up. First, I got rid of everything that wasn't serving me. Second, I realized that fear is an illusion which I needed to break through. Posting publicly about my personal stuff scared me to death, so I did it. Now I love to write every night, laptop propped on my knees while I sit on my bed. I have some big hairy goals and each day remember that everything I want is behind fear and resistance, so I blow through the fear and resistance every day. How about you? What got you started and why do you stay?
What a powerful story Robert.
What got me started on Substack is I got tired of all the censorship and Nanny Police on social media. This is a platform where I can be myself and don't have to ask any person or publication for permission to share my thoughts.
That makes a lot of sense. It's amazing how much censorship there is on big platforms. Of course there are the trolls too, blech. What's your "next big thing" you are doing for yourself?
Next big thing for me Robert is publishing a short eBook on money. Working on it right now and having a blast.
Nice!
This piece will probably be responsible for at least one person choosing an unconventional path. 💪
I hope so Ryan. Inspiration without action is disappointing to me.
What part did you like the best?
A looming lay-off was my wake-up call to stop asking for permission and start buying assets to move closer to living life on my terms.
Gotta love layoffs Denis. Free motivation. Agree?
Haha sure, Tim. Free motivation comes from a healthy dose of anxiety.
Thx for the elaborate storyline around identity, call it autonomie or doing justice to your self. Your perspective on the pandemic nature of neglecting this need is confirmed by the respondents of 13leaders. A significant numbers is oriented to inclusion, wanting to belong and therefore dependant of being accepted. My hunch is that the gatekeepers mentioned would be the ones leaning to assertion.
Keep infusing from down under 🦘🇦🇺🌏, great perspective from there 🙃
Thanks Peter. What is 13 Leaders? And are you Aussie?
This is how I feel big time! Phew, atleast I am not alone.
You're not alone. What's your next move Deeksha?
I do agree that especially in today's world, the internet has been beneficial and empowering for many average citizens, in terms of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Though of course, people at first do need to gain insight and awareness into how certain things work and how to effectively utilize certain tools online to establish themselves and connect with others.
Spot on Raveen. it's all the nuances of platforms like Substack that people miss.
Do you plan on starting something?
Not really. I'm mainly interested in growing my blog on Medium and here.
A newsletter is way more powerful than social media because you own the audience and access to it.
The audacity to go without permission - the life of true self-expression and freedom. Brilliant piece, Tim!
Cheers Jaineel. Any lesson stand out for you?
Voice over great add. Plenty of people with limited vision plus able to listen while driving. Hopefully you have the time to do more often.
And your tone and infection were spot on as well.
Impressed
Appreciate it James. I like voiceover because it makes it more personal. My editing is a little sloppy and needs to improve. Any other feedback?
Practice makes perfect I guess. It really is a nice touch. Very professional with the storytelling voice infection. The message was powerful but imo the voiceover made it more personal
Cheers James.
Every day is central. The rhythm actually has added life. It propels
Sure does David.
Amazing
What part stood out for you Joyanta?