How do you differentiate between taking writing seriously and just dabbling?

Kiesha asked this question and the part that really seemed to hit home for her was to think about something in her life that she’d already been introduced to as a beginner, and grew from a beginner to a professional. As a yoga teacher, I asked her to reflect on that inner experience and what shifted for her when she went from curious to serious to professional. The following framework may also be helpful.

FREE SPIRIT/ ANALYST/ JUDGE

I often coach writers that I work with to wear these different hats when it comes to developing their writing, but it also applies here. When you spent time on a project or endeavor, every time you come back to it, you are a different person, in a different mood, with a different perspective. If you find yourself mostly in free spirit mode and feeling content and satisfied with that, then perhaps you are just dabbling for now. If you find yourself also venturing into the analyst and judge, then there’s at least a desire there to take it further.

The Free Spirit

Unaffected, living in the moment. Fully engaged with the five senses and first thoughts. Free and uninhibited, consumed with feeling and expressing. A rebel with a cause. The free spirit breathes life into our first drafts and efforts, exploring curiosity with beginner’s mind.

The Analyst

The logical, practical one. The analyst looks for effectiveness and efficiency. The analyst makes an entrance several drafts in, or once you’ve practiced some, and allowed the free spirit to have its fun. Here, we ask ourselves tough questions. What is this for? Who is this for? Will they understand? Is this helpful, entertaining, honest? What is the goal and am I still aligned with it? If the goal has changed, what does it look like now?

The Judge

The judge has the final say on what goes and what stays. By consulting with both the free spirit and the analyst, the judge makes rational, but heartfelt decisions about how to move forward.