Benefits of Memoir Writing You Weren’t Expecting
The Perks of Writing about Your Life, Even If It Doesn't Turn Out That Great
Why do we sometimes hesitate to work on our memoir projects, something that means so much to us? Maybe we’re not fully convinced of the benefits of memoir writing.
We dream of writing a memoir, sharing our story, and maybe even becoming a published author, but when the time comes to write, we balk.
Usually, would-be memoirists attribute their hesitation to a lack of time or somehow not being good enough. They’re not a good enough writer, not worthy of an audience, or otherwise lacking.
I’d like to suggest another possibility:
Dreaming may feel like it has a bigger payoff than doing the work necessary to realize your dream.
While we are imagining being a memoir writer, all things are possible. Our work can turn out exactly the way we hope, if we’re experiencing it all in the comfort of an armchair. Oh, the fun we can have doing research, jotting ideas, and fantasizing about realizing our creative potential! It’s safer, too, and leaves plenty of time for surfing the internet.
And then comes the time to take those first steps and…hmm…Is this actually what I want to do?
Do I really want to work that hard?
What if I start writing, and it turns out I’m a lousy writer and don’t like it that much after all? Didn’t that happen to me with that kid Gary I had that devastating crush on in high school? What a loser he turned out to be! The fantasy was way better than the reality!
Yes, my friends, if you have in mind a truly inspiring project, chances are you’ll have to risk discomfort and disappointment. If that weren’t the case, you would have already done it by now, right?
So. Will your memoir be any good? Will the results be worth the time invested?
And how can you know in advance?
You can’t.
But this you can know for sure:
Dedicating yourself to the challenges necessary to follow through on your creative dream will definitely result in the following benefits to your life.
You will increase your self-confidence.
Not acting on creative dreams can make you question your own character and call yourself names (like chicken, lazy, procrastinator, etc.) On the other hand, following through on your intentions helps you believe in yourself.
You will feel more fulfilled.
Creative work is intensely satisfying (at least afterward).
You will become more attractive and interesting.
No, really! People who are trying new things and pushing past their old limitations are fascinating to talk to and draw people to them.
You will develop better problem-solving skills.
As you overcome the inevitable hurdles, you will build resilience and learn.
Your patience, perseverance and focus will improve.
All creative work requires these traits, and the more you practice them, the stronger they’ll become.
You will learn to detach from specific outcomes.
You will begin to value the mystery of the creative process and the way your work unfolds in unexpected ways once you get started.
These are the benefits gained from memoir writing—and all creative work—whether you end up liking the results of your efforts or not.
So should you go for it?
YES!
Your Turn
Let me know in the comments if this rings true for you. How have other types of creative projects provided unexpected benefits?
Take an easy first step toward reaping the benefits of memoir writing by signing up for my free Memoir Warm-Ups.