I often receive messages asking for advice about writing or finishing a book. Sometimes people write, "I wanted to write a book about xyz, but I haven't done it yet."
When asked how to finish a book, my answer is simple: it requires discipline, focus, and commitment—the same traits required to complete anything, from a work project to losing weight.
What fascinates me is how people invest tremendous energy in physical transformation. They'll spend money on Ozempic, gym memberships, or prepared meals.
Yet rarely do I hear people discuss cultivating their minds or making use of these brilliant brains we possess.
There's a widely circulated statistic that we only use 10% of our brain, though some say this is a myth and we actively use all parts of our brains regularly.
But I believe the most underutilized aspect of our minds is our ability to navigate our thoughts—to control how we spiral, to recognize when our thoughts are merely beliefs or unhealthy patterns carried over from childhood.
To achieve any goal, the first crucial step is understanding how your brain works and learning to redirect it when it veers off course.
Take writing, for instance. Many face imposter syndrome, not feeling like "real" writers because they haven't published anything. But how will you ever feel like a writer if you don't write? You become a better writer through daily practice, yet you might never start if negative thoughts prevent you from putting anything on the page.
After learning to calm these thoughts (perhaps through meditation), the next step toward any goal is consistent action. The beauty of writing, at least in my experience, is that once you make it a regular practice, it becomes an essential part of your identity.
It's been a couple of years since I've been in the flow of writing, but I'm inching my way back. Some days—like this morning—it's tough. It was the coldest morning in Santa Fe, and I didn't want to get out of bed. So instead of working on my book, I simply decided to write this short post. It’s a small win but to me still counts as a win toward entering a more regular writing practice.
The takeaway? If you want to complete anything, learn to navigate your mind, direct your thoughts toward goals, and take consistent action. Everything else follows from there.
In my next post, I look forward to sharing some thoughts about a book I just read over the weekend—it’s related to the science of manifestation and is a must read for anyone who is on the path to growth and personal development.