15 Comments
User's avatar
The Write Trader's avatar

super solid article right here!

CP's avatar

Glad it resonated

JP Bristol's avatar

Interesting

Jess, The Creator's avatar

Right, JP? It was very eye-opening to me!

Double ID's avatar

Anyway, I'm asking myself does anyone count story telling without explaining how to tell the story? Real story telling which can make you think, feel or change something in your real life...

I'm asking myself is the only way to overthink all possible outcomes...and does any reader search real story or only the explanation how to make a story...and I know, it's possible I'm overthinking..😜

Dido Torchi's avatar

Wow!!! So this explains why I take 3 hours to write one of my articles, it's the two jobs at once! Surprisingly I've been able to cut that time in half when writing with other people and body doubling, but now it makes sense why. You can offload some of that thinking that isn't productive.

Jess, The Creator's avatar

Yeah CP opened my eyes to the jobs at once part!! @CP and @Vinayak Ramesh also have a collaboration article where they call out this out and describe the invisible work and strategy tax. It’s going to help a lot of creators on here!

And I’m amazed to hear you use the term “body doubling.” I just got into this and it really works!!! It’s actually proven to increase productivity and focus for people with ADHD.

But all the thinking that we have to do as solo creators really does add up and once you see it, it’s hard to unsee.

Vinayak Ramesh's avatar

Agreed! CP did a great job highlighting the repetitive efforts we have been putting out without knowing it!

Helpful article as always, Jess!

Jess, The Creator's avatar

Thank you, Vinayak! Appreciate you!

Dido Torchi's avatar

oh wow! Didn't know they also had a collab article out, now I gotta go read that one! It's so hard to keep up with these Substacks when you're also building at the same time, ahhh 😭

And yes, body doubling is such a great term and concept!

Jess, The Creator's avatar

hey Dido!

here is the original collab article between Vinayak and CP, its definitely worth the read when you get the chance!!

https://vinayakramesh1.substack.com/p/strategy-sunday-4-you-made-the-sale?r=2glptb&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Robyn Levin's avatar

👏I’m sure a lot of Substackers can relate.

CP's avatar

It means a lot Robyn.

Thanks!

Rob Riker's avatar

This is real. The best thing I ever learned was to answer the key questions first, even if they suck. Like "what is the main idea?" and "what one thing do I want them to realize/learn/understand?"

Because often I start with a story or experience, but it isn't really a post. It's one idea that needs to get molded.

And before, I would just start writing. And that's when the overthinking and procrastination would hit hard. Because I didn't know what to do next.

Once I realized I needed to just get stuff out before I write the final draft, it got easier. I might write a story with no point. Come up with some key lessons. Whatever. THEN, I can look at it and figure out the overall arch, so I can write the damn thing.

Key lesson. Get ideas out and figure out the big idea behind the post.

CP's avatar

You're absolutely right Rob.

While writing the initial draft, you should just pour out everything first.

That's the key.