Tip’s and tools I use to make sure I always have writing ideas ready
Sounds simple right?
Just sit down and start writing. As any writer will tell you, if only it were that simple.
Sometimes the word’s flow and other times its a struggle. Having a stash of writing ideas ready to use is no bad thing. Especially when you are struggling to write.
The process of writing creatively with no pressure opens up and loosens the
mind. If you can get rid of the risk of writer’s block before you start then that’s a good first step.
For me, that exercise gets me into the mindset to get my ideas on paper. Something else may work for you.
Once that’s done then I follow these steps:
I use a Saturday as my ideas day, which gives me a specific time and day where I focus only on idea creation. It means I have a purpose-built time to focus only on that work. It also gives me a week to think about my writing. That breathing space lets my subconscious get creative.
I get my list of ideas out. For this is an A4 legal pad because I like to still write with a pen and paper some of the time. An excel spreadsheet or word document may be an upgrade on this.
Normally I’m able to come up with at least 5 of those ideas myself. Once I get through the ideas in my head, I move to social media and look at what’s trending. If I feel I can write about a topic then it goes into the list.
I like to try and list out around 10 ideas at a time. If I have more then that’s great, but 10 is the minimum. These can be anything and everything. I never limit myself to the topics I could write about.
The next step is to run my idea’s through google. Anything that people are searching for is worth writing about. If it’s only you that’s searching the topic, then chances are it’s not going to be so interesting.
Those are the steps that work well for me. I have been using this system for the last 6 months. It’s given me the tools I need to write consistently and without the pressure to generate ideas out of thin air.
Like anything else writing is a process. Starting with step 1, if there is a consistent process and approach to idea generation. Your chances of success will increase.
Men’s mental health seems to still be taboo in society. The sad fact is that there is a crisis in men’s mental health.
Here are some statistics for you:
9 out of 10 Suicides are men
87% of rough sleepers are men
12.5% of men have underlying mental health issues
As you can see there is a growing crisis. The current situation in the economy is only going to make thing’s worse.
Everyone has ups and down’s in life and there share of dark periods. What most of us need is to share those times with a support group.
It can be tough for men, we don’t want to appear to be weak and we don’t like to talk about how we feel.
If you are someone going through a difficult time in your life. Hang in there.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel, I’ve been there myself and it does get better.
Some of the things that have helped me through the hard times are:
Writing down 3 things I’m grateful for every day. Even in the worst of times, we can find something. One of those can completely change your perspective.
Stay social. We are social animals we need interaction with our friends and family. Even when we really don’t feel like it that interaction is important. You could also join a group like man up:speak up for social support.
Talk about your situation. This is both the hardest and bravest thing to do. Talking to others does help. You would be surprised at the number of people who will be there to listen and support you.
If you know someone who may be going through a dark period you can help them by:
Offering your support
Being there to talk to
Letting them know that they can open up in a safe environment without being judged
This is often all the reassurance someone needs to open up.
Men’s mental health is a real issue, every year loved ones are taken away from us and it’s all preventable.
Please let’s lookout for one other and be there when we need help!
There is a huge change going on in the car world at the moment. I ‘am of course talking about electric cars.
Not so long ago a joke, now everyone is joining the party. Including the classic guys.
Restomod where a classic gets restored to look like it did back in the day. While being modified to drive like something more modern is not new.
In fact, Restomod is a new name for something that we have been doing for decades.
What is new though is fitting classics with an electric motor. It seems to be the new ‘in thing’ for the industry.
It started out with cool looking cars that had poor engines in them. This was more or less accepted by enthusiasts as it made sense.
The backlash started when muscle cars, classic Jaguars. Even a Ferrari got changed to electric power.
For many, this is a disaster and the end of the world as they know it. For the rest of us though I think we can look at it practically in 2 ways:
1. Taking a car so well known for its engine and making it electric is a spectacularly brave choice. 2. The owners who have gone down this route may just have future-proofed their cars.
Bear with me, I know that sounds crazy but think about it for a second.
Next year E10 fuel will come onto the market. This will limit the amount of time a classic can run because it eats older fuel lines, seals, etc.
Electrification future proofs against that.
The second threat is environmental legislation. We already seen limits imposed in cities for cars of a certain age. Again electrifying future proofs against this.
If you own one of these cars chances are high you want to be able to enjoy it.
If you are an enthusiast then chances are you want to see these cars being used and shown.
As much as I love the sound and the feeling of a V8 or V12. We have to be honest with ourselves and say their days are numbered.
In fact, Restomod controversial as it is, means we get to enjoy these cars for longer and isn’t that what the scene is all about?
Starting a business is a brave move. But it can be hard to know where to start.
Here is the thing though, starting with small steps is no bad thing.
One of the best places to start is with something you know and enjoy, like a hobby.
Chances are there is something that you enjoy that you know a lot about.
That thing whatever it is will be a business opportunity.
My thing is motorbikes. Because I’m passionate and I know the market, I’m able to make them into a business for me.
The same bizarrely can be said for fountain pens.
Anyway back to the topic. Making money out of what you know is a great place to start.
While it might not make you a millionaire overnight, it will let you learn while also enjoying yourself.
Once you learn the basics and get comfortable then, you can build out from there.
This is some of the best advice business advice I ever received. It’s also the most common advice that I share with others.
Whether you want to run a business part-time or work for yourself full time. We all need to start somewhere, those first steps on the path to entrepreneurship can be tough.
Starting with something familiar and taking small steps towards the bigger goal is a sensible place to start.
It’s also great fun and lets you learn while indulging in your hobby.
Overall it’s a win/win and you can’t get better than that!
Smartphones, an essential part of modern life. Today they are the equivalent of a laptop in our pocket.
Up until 2 years ago, I had only ever used blackberry or I Phone. Then came time for a replacement.
In central Asia the cost of an apple device vs android was huge. So I made the change.
A lot of what has been written about android is correct. One a top-spec phone the battery life and the speed of the phone is seriously impressive.
The access to apps in the google store is also seriously impressive.
Now though due to work requirements it’s back to Apple. Last time I used an iPhone it was a 6s. Since I have been gone things have changed it seems.
At the time going to android was a revelation for access to apps and battery life. Having come back to the iPhone it seems the playing field has been leveled.
I bought an XS model phone because well I got a great deal and it does all I need.
The battery life is much improved over the previous model and so is the access to apps.
The best part though is the connectivity and syncing between the iPhone and Ipad.
That’s been a bit of a game-changer for me. That advantage will get much bigger when I’m able to travel again.
No more laptops required which is huge.
Is the apple sweeter than the android?
Until recently I wasn’t sure, but switching back with a new phone and the latest IOS updates I have to say it is.
Writing for thought - expanding creativity through the joy of writing 