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Why Is This So Hard?

Some of you know that I have really wanted to write a book for a long time.  Be prepared to read here a vulnerable conversation I've been having with myself for the last couple of months.  

The verbal soup in my head is relentless and #MomentumTribe deserves a well thought out and articulated version of almost 20 years experience.  You’d think that was reason enough to make it happen.  And yet, here I am with one pathetic book published a decade ago and another digital one in 2018.  Why does writing have to be so hard?  

Layer on top of those the books I’ve read and think to myself, damn I could have easily put that on paper too.  Those authors are out proclaiming their sound message while I’m still over here sipping on my soup.  

This morning, as I looked at my screen I thought to myself: “Why is this so hard?” Ugh.  And then immediately my mind kicked in…

​The quality of your life is in direct response to the quality of the questions you ask.  I’m quick to point it out to my Coaching Clients.  However, this time it took a bit more energy when it applied to me.  And when I set out to be more consistent with my blog posting, my only goal was to get into the rhythm.  Writing on a regular basis is more valuable to me at this moment than the content.  Simply put, I know that the more I do it, the better I will get at it.  Now I doubt I will become a voracious writer for years to come, this is an exercise to sharpen my voice.  

Back to the question and asking a better quality question.  Asking a question that starts with “why” will immediately hit you at your core.  I believe they have their place, but in general when looking to make progress, “why” questions typically will leave someone feeling attacked.  Why did you do that?  Why are you here?  Why are you wearing those shoes?  See what I mean?  

The better question is typically going to be a “what or how” question.  Rather than ask “why is this so hard”, I needed to step back and ask “what about writing is hard?”.  Viola!  I can start to isolate the challenge and do something about it.  The answer comes down to a couple things for me.  

  • My impatience kicks in and I say things like “I don’t have time for this” 
  • I struggle with the focus to stay on task sometimes.  Especially when I’m writing
  • Struggle with my mind rolling all around and sticking to the subject at hand.
  • Is this even going to matter?  

So what’s the solution then?  Well, since I recognize alot of it is a focus issue, I can take steps to remove distractions.  Another thing I can see is that the challenge becomes less as I do it more often.  Simply stated, the more I write, the better I get at it and the focus.  It just means I have to question myself and my beliefs around the process of writing and then keep moving forward.  


About Spencer Combs:

Spencer Combs is a business leader and author of Momentum and Mastery: The Business Leader's Guide to Fastrack Unshakeable Profit, Productivity, and Purpose. With a passion for helping others transform their challenges into opportunities, Spencer offers unique insights through his events, coaching programs, and daily text messages.


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