4 reasons writing as a hobby will unlock creative freedom
You don't have to be a professional writer to live a meaningful life.
You might think serious writers need to quit their day jobs to succeed.
Here's a surprising fact: many influential writers in history held onto their day jobs. T.S. Eliot was a banker, William Carlos Williams a doctor. Even George Saunders still teaches at Syracuse University.
In this article, I'll show you 4 powerful reasons treating writing as a hobby can lead to greater creative freedom and personal growth than trying to turn it into a career.
Reason #1: "The unexamined life is not worth living."
Numerous studies have found journaling to help improve mental health.
Being able to clarify your thinking is a superpower in our distracted time. I use this newsletter as an excuse to work through whatever's on my mind. When I dig into a topic, I run into preconceived notions that are unhelpful and often completely wrong.
For example, this article began with the topic about how to make money while writing. But, then I felt like it was more genuine, and resonant to me, to approach it from the opposite angle.
Writing has helped me uncover my values to live a life more true to my core beliefs.
Reason #2: Writing embodies the values of your ideal lifestyle.
Getting a traditional publishing book deal will not make you happy.
In reality, it's unlikely to change your life at all. Sure, the validation might feel good for a bit, however, that too will fade. That's why Cal Newport recommends pursuing your ideal lifestyle instead of grand goals. The ideal lifestyle comprises daily activities that encapsulate your most deeply held values.
Here are my values I associate with reading and writing:
Curiosity and knowledge
Silence and self-reflection
Creativity and original thinking
The writing life is your way to make a commitment to these values.
Reason #3: A job well done is its own reward.
It feels good to finish things.
Starting things is easy. When I start a new article or story, I feel excited about how cool and perfect it will be. Then I write and it turns out to be quite shit. It’s hard not to feel discouraged. At about this point, I have a downward neurotic spiral (DNS). If I am being honest, I had multiple DNS during the writing of this article.
Yet, when it's time to ship the article and I am watching the Sisyphean boulder roll back down the hill, I feel good. The satisfaction of finishing things leads to finishing more things. Eventually, you have the habit of finishing hard things. Cleaning out the gutters seems a little less intimidating.
What makes writing unique is that it’s open-ended. You can write a poem, a short story, or an epic fantasy novel. Whatever the length or format, you make the rules. Be certain you can complete it, too.
The next step is to meet your own quality standards. (I have yet to experience this phenomenon myself.) I imagine it's tremendously satisfying to write to the best of your abilities. It’s a fine goal, better than publication.
Reason #4: You're probably not in it for the money, anyway.
What made you interested in writing in the first place?
If you're anything like me, it's because you love books. Reading has changed your life positively and you value it deeply.
In short, you do it because you love it.
There's a weird double standard to writing. Many people like to golf, and no one expects them to become pro golfers. On a basic level, it's OK to do something because you enjoy it.
Asking your writing to make money or create a legacy is too much pressure. It'll sap your enthusiasm to keep going.
Brandon Sanderson in his lecture series tells a story from early in his career. After his first 8 books failed to achieve traditional publication, he asked himself: “Would I still be doing this even if I keep piling up rejections my whole life?” When he realized the answer was yes, writing felt easier.
Writing becomes simpler if you commit to a life of writing, ignoring outside approval. Being published is out of our control. People don't owe us their attention.
The key to writing is simple: consistency. Being consistent is all about connecting with your intrinsic motivation to keep going.
Keep showing up; that’s all you can do. The rest will take care of itself.
Bonus benefits of writing:
Helps improve memory and cognition
Enhances written and verbal communication skills
It's the cheapest hobby out there and books are cheap