Writer's Block
It took a 6 year hiatus for me to get my writing bug back, and I've missed it dearly. Typically, I would just try to remember all the stories in my head, and share them only when the stars aligned for me to speak. That was fun for a little while, but as I got older, trying to recall all of the stories became challenging so I started the first run at Club SEBU.
Then it stopped. Abruptly, with no real plan to return.
But again, 6 years later we're back and more vibrant than ever.
In lieu of what was said, here are 6 tips that got me back dancing in the only Club you'll see me at.
1. Research
Always stand behind what you say. You never want to appear like you're just going for shock value or speaking from a position of ignorance. Formulate your own thoughts but be open-minded to the information that may be already out there, and could possibly enhance your stance. Only talk about things you know, and be sure to acknowledge the fact that you could always learn more. For the things that you don't know, research to the point where you are able to hold a valuable conversation regarding it. The confidence of your speech, will be in the knowledge you possess. It is okay to not know and learn, but not knowing and pretending you do is bad news.
2. Let It Come Naturally
Forcing anything usually doesn't end well. Ever. Prepare properly and then let the cards fall how they may. Like up above, research the information, become a master of your craft, then allow yourself to rely on your training and perform organically. Trust the hours you have put into whatever it is that you do; it makes the action a lot easier. If you are not doing the behind the scenes work, then chances are, you won't be able to be calm and relaxed while you perform. No worries though. All that means is that you should now take the accountability, make the necessary changes in preparation, and watch the results. Trust yourself.
3. Talk Out Loud
From time to time, I will go back and read papers that I wrote in college or high school, just to see what I was about back then. My dad is a professor, it's our genes. Anyways, it is only after I say the words, sentences, and paragraphs out loud, that I realize whether I was on point, or if I was up way passed my bed time, looking through a thesaurus, trying to use as many adjectives as possible to fatten my paper. Whether it's writing, presenting, math, or engineering, hearing yourself say whatever it is that you are thinking can bring clarity. If not, it doesn't hurt to try.
4. Listen to Learn
A lot of times, listening to respond is more fun. That being said, sometimes, just sitting quiet and listening to someone else can open up a lot of uncharted territories. If you always want to respond, you might miss a crucial point, because all you're looking for is a comma so you can interject, and potentially sway the conversation in your direction...I have been guilty of this on many occasions. Take an extra second or 60 to hear what someone has to say. It's hard to win if you don't learn, and it's hard to learn if you don't listen.
5. Be Yourself
Although cliche, still extremely important. We have to own ourselves in order to move forward. For many years, I ate pepperoni pizza, because my brother ate pepperoni pizza, and if he liked it, then I liked it. I am proud to say, I now do not eat pepperoni pizza, and have no intentions to do so, since I never liked it one bit. I do apologize for that brief pizza reference, but there is merit to it. What good are you doing yourself by doing something you don't want to do, just to fit in? My brother and I are still good friends, despite our differences in pizza preferences, and it has never cause a rift between us. Don't be afraid, be yourself.
6. Have Fun
Lastly, but certainly not least, have fun. Be creative. Listen to music. Dance. Sing. Draw. Sure, I might not be great at any of these things, but I still have fun while I am doing them. I can't stop. I won't stop. As always, don't take yourself too seriously all the time. We all need moments to unwind and let loose. Find something that makes you feel good and doesn't hurt you. You never know, it could spawn into something greater than you ever imagined.
There may be other tips, but I don't want to hold you too long. The significance of the 6, is that they aren't exclusive to writer's block. You can apply them to anything in life that you are doing and hopefully will see the benefits of them.
Whatever it is that you do, work hard at it. Enjoy it, and try to be the best you can be. Be diligent in the science behind it all and immerse yourself in the possibilities, based through your determination. Learn from others, and share with others. Take a moment to appreciate the opportunities in front of you, and embrace the idea of just how much you can do when you put your mind to it.
Until next time,
Long Live The People
Then it stopped. Abruptly, with no real plan to return.
But again, 6 years later we're back and more vibrant than ever.
In lieu of what was said, here are 6 tips that got me back dancing in the only Club you'll see me at.
1. Research
Always stand behind what you say. You never want to appear like you're just going for shock value or speaking from a position of ignorance. Formulate your own thoughts but be open-minded to the information that may be already out there, and could possibly enhance your stance. Only talk about things you know, and be sure to acknowledge the fact that you could always learn more. For the things that you don't know, research to the point where you are able to hold a valuable conversation regarding it. The confidence of your speech, will be in the knowledge you possess. It is okay to not know and learn, but not knowing and pretending you do is bad news.
2. Let It Come Naturally
Forcing anything usually doesn't end well. Ever. Prepare properly and then let the cards fall how they may. Like up above, research the information, become a master of your craft, then allow yourself to rely on your training and perform organically. Trust the hours you have put into whatever it is that you do; it makes the action a lot easier. If you are not doing the behind the scenes work, then chances are, you won't be able to be calm and relaxed while you perform. No worries though. All that means is that you should now take the accountability, make the necessary changes in preparation, and watch the results. Trust yourself.
3. Talk Out Loud
From time to time, I will go back and read papers that I wrote in college or high school, just to see what I was about back then. My dad is a professor, it's our genes. Anyways, it is only after I say the words, sentences, and paragraphs out loud, that I realize whether I was on point, or if I was up way passed my bed time, looking through a thesaurus, trying to use as many adjectives as possible to fatten my paper. Whether it's writing, presenting, math, or engineering, hearing yourself say whatever it is that you are thinking can bring clarity. If not, it doesn't hurt to try.
4. Listen to Learn
A lot of times, listening to respond is more fun. That being said, sometimes, just sitting quiet and listening to someone else can open up a lot of uncharted territories. If you always want to respond, you might miss a crucial point, because all you're looking for is a comma so you can interject, and potentially sway the conversation in your direction...I have been guilty of this on many occasions. Take an extra second or 60 to hear what someone has to say. It's hard to win if you don't learn, and it's hard to learn if you don't listen.
5. Be Yourself
Although cliche, still extremely important. We have to own ourselves in order to move forward. For many years, I ate pepperoni pizza, because my brother ate pepperoni pizza, and if he liked it, then I liked it. I am proud to say, I now do not eat pepperoni pizza, and have no intentions to do so, since I never liked it one bit. I do apologize for that brief pizza reference, but there is merit to it. What good are you doing yourself by doing something you don't want to do, just to fit in? My brother and I are still good friends, despite our differences in pizza preferences, and it has never cause a rift between us. Don't be afraid, be yourself.
6. Have Fun
Lastly, but certainly not least, have fun. Be creative. Listen to music. Dance. Sing. Draw. Sure, I might not be great at any of these things, but I still have fun while I am doing them. I can't stop. I won't stop. As always, don't take yourself too seriously all the time. We all need moments to unwind and let loose. Find something that makes you feel good and doesn't hurt you. You never know, it could spawn into something greater than you ever imagined.
There may be other tips, but I don't want to hold you too long. The significance of the 6, is that they aren't exclusive to writer's block. You can apply them to anything in life that you are doing and hopefully will see the benefits of them.
Whatever it is that you do, work hard at it. Enjoy it, and try to be the best you can be. Be diligent in the science behind it all and immerse yourself in the possibilities, based through your determination. Learn from others, and share with others. Take a moment to appreciate the opportunities in front of you, and embrace the idea of just how much you can do when you put your mind to it.
Until next time,
Long Live The People
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