Never underestimate yourself.
One of the most common statements I receive from students is that nobody will ever listen to them because they’re not experts, so why should they bother?
And I’ve answered time and time again, that people aren’t interested in listening to experts. People are interested in listening to people. A textbook on the ins and outs of book publishing and how to write would bore me half to death. Even though it’s full of facts and stats and theories, and is genuinely something I’m interested in learning more about. But watching a powerhouse like Gerry Robert on stage, actually showing me the ins and outs of publishing, along with his personal story interwoven, it captivating, moving and uplifting. While still being thoroughly educational.
Because you’re watching someone speak from the heart about something they know.
And that’s the point I’m trying to get to.
Fast Company started a series called Creation Stories to educate others on the creative process. One of their videos features Ricky Gervais. He was asked, “What’s the greatest influence on your creative process?”
And though his answer was simple enough, it’s the absolute truth.
Write About What You Know
Now I’m not a content creator per say (I spark the ideas and have a team to execute my vision), but for those of you who are content writers, bloggers or trying to create your own product, this message is dedicated to you.
You don’t need to spend months on research in an unfamiliar niche just because you heard somewhere that it was profitable. You don’t need to make up facts or stories. You don’t need to be an expert.
Being genuine and knowledgeable is what really matters.
And that knowledge comes from both personal and professional experience.
You are unique. You are special. Out of 7 billion people on this planet, there is nobody else like you. You look different, think different, act different. And have been in situations and experienced life in a way that’s exclusive to you.
And it doesn’t have to stop at writing. Because you may not be a writer. But in your mindset.
If you feel like you’re life is mundane, or that you have nothing to share… Stop it. What you know is powerful. How you live, the decisions you’ve made, the crap you’ve experienced… It matters.
Don’t put yourself down as something less than the next guy.
Whatever you’ve been through, whatever your story is, I guarantee that there are people out there who will relate. Who will feel empowered by you.
You only need to empower yourself first.
