Transform Your Identity as a High Achiever: 6 Essential Steps to Writing a Book
Ability to self-edit is essential for any writer
It’s important to have a system in place that allows for feedback from others.
Are you a high achiever looking to transform your identity? Writing a book is a great way to do just that. In this blog, I share the highlights from my conversation with Kim O'Hara who will discuss her experience of transitioning to book coaching and how writing a book can help you achieve greater visibility, credibility, and authority. She'll share her own personal journey of what it was like to write a book, especially the challenge of "letting go" of what she thought her book should be about. Kim has a unique background, having transitioned from a career in Hollywood movie producing and screenwriting to her current role as a book coach. Her passion for story, characters, and empathy have allowed her to excel in her field and she is a firm believer that anyone with a story to tell has the potential to write a successful book.
How can writing a book can help transform one's identity as a high achiever?
A book enables high achievers to share their knowledge and experience with a greater audience, allowing them to establish themselves as an authority in their field. Writing a book also gives high achievers an opportunity to tap into their creative side and explore new ideas, which can help them gain a deeper understanding of their work and craft. Additionally, writing a book can help high achievers build a larger platform and expand their professional network, which can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and projects that can help them take their careers to the next level. Ultimately, writing a book can help high achievers transform their identity, gain greater recognition, and establish themselves as a genuine authority in their field.
Here are the steps Kim guides her clients though:
1. Acknowledge the need for a transformation: Writing a book requires a transformation of your identity.
2. Identify the challenge: Many people don’t understand why they should write a book or what the divide is between those who say they want to write a book and those who actually do.
3. Identify the benefits: Writing a book can give you visibility, credibility, and authority.
4. Develop a plan: Work with a book coach who can help you strip away all the layers of emotion and uncover the deeper truths of your story.
5. Let go: Let go of what you thought your book should be about and be open to unexpected turns.
6. Take action: Set aside time for writing and stay consistent. Many people start a book, but best sellers plan to finish.
Kim explains that there was nothing fancy about her time in the movie industry, and she was pounding the pavement trying to get people to listen to her scripts. After going through a divorce and single parenting two small children, Kim realized that she needed a shock to her ego. She worked at Trader Joe's for six months before she got her first client and knew it was time to move on. Kim explains that the transition from fiction to non-fiction was not an easy one. She had to learn how to interview people, craft a story, and then present it to her audience. She also had to learn how to write in a way that conveyed her clients’ stories in a way that resonated with her readers.
Kim states that the biggest challenge was finding the right words to capture the emotion of her clients without writing a novel. She learned how to convey powerful stories without being overly descriptive or flowery. Kim also learned how to use her empathy to ensure that her clients’ stories were told in a respectful and impactful way. Kim also talks about the importance of finding the right tools and techniques to help her navigate the process. She emphasizes that every author has a unique process for writing, but there are certain principles that can help guide authors. Kim recommends finding a writing mentor, setting clear goals, and learning to edit and revise their work. She also explains that the ability to self-edit is essential for any writer, and it’s important to have a system in place that allows for feedback from others. Kim believes that having a system in place will help authors reach their writing goals and create powerful stories.
1. Acknowledge the need for a transformation: Writing a book requires a transformation of your identity.
Writing a book can be a daunting task, and it is important to be aware of the need for this transformation of identity. It is important to recognize that one is no longer the same person they were when they began writing. They are now on a journey that requires courage, strength, and openness. This transformation of identity does not happen overnight, but rather is a gradual process of self-discovery, learning, and understanding. As one progresses through their journey, they will come to understand themselves on a deeper level. They may find that they have new perspectives on things, and that they are capable of much more than they had ever imagined. Writing a book is an empowering experience that requires an inner transformation of identity. It is important to recognize the importance of this transformation of identity when writing a book. It is a process that requires dedication, patience, and resilience. It is a process that requires one to be open to the unknown, and to find courage in the face of uncertainty. It is a process that requires one to step outside of their comfort zone, and to embrace the power of their own voice. Writing a book is a journey that requires a transformation of identity, and it is something that should be embraced with enthusiasm and excitement.
2. Identify the challenge: Many people don’t understand why they should write a book or what the divide is between those who say they want to write a book and those who actually do.
Many people don’t understand why they should write a book or what the divide is between those who say they want to write a book and those who actually do. To begin to address this challenge, it is important to understand the motivations behind why people want to write a book. When Kim discussed her own transition from filmmaking to book coaching, she mentioned how it was a “divine intervention” and that she needed something to “shock her ego”. This reflects the idea that people may want to write a book as a way to prove their worth and solidify their identity. Additionally, it is important to recognize that many people may not have the knowledge or skills to write a book, or the experience of writing beyond sales or academic writing.
Kim also explains that when people feel they have a book in them, they may not realize the depths of the material they have to offer. Writing a book is more than just spewing out ideas, and requires a transformation of identity as the writer must be willing to let go of what they thought the book should be about, and be open to where the words will lead them. It is difficult to tap into the subconscious material, but this is where the real magic lies. Writing a book is about more than just getting a finished product, it is about the journey of discovering the depths of oneself.
Once these motivations and potential challenges are understood, it is important to identify the next steps to move forward. Having confidence in one’s writing abilities and skills is essential. Kim suggests that, if one is not confident in their writing ability, they should join a writing group or take a writing course to help them build confidence. Additionally, she recommends that aspiring authors read widely and take time to practice their craft, while also allowing themselves time to reflect on what they have written. It is also important to remember that writing a book is not just a process of putting words down on paper. It requires research, organization of ideas, and dedication to the task. Kim stresses the importance of creating a plan and timeline for the writing process, as well as taking time to celebrate the process, however small the victory.
3. Identify the benefits: Writing a book can give you visibility, credibility, and authority.
Writing a book can give you visibility, credibility, and authority, which can open up many opportunities you may have not had before. Writing a book can also help you build your personal brand, as it is a calling card for potential customers and clients. It can also give you a sense of accomplishment and pride, as you have created something tangible that will live on long after you. When trying to identify the benefits of writing a book, it is important to think beyond just the tangible results. Writing a book can also help you grow as a person, as it requires you to dig deep and uncover new aspects of yourself. It can also be an incredibly healing experience, as it allows you to explore your identity and life story in a way that is not possible through any other medium. Writing a book also gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with others, creating a legacy that can potentially last for generations.
Writing a book can also be a great way to generate passive income. After the initial investment of time and energy, you can continue to receive royalties from book sales. Furthermore, you can turn your book into other products - such as audiobooks, e-books, or even physical products like t-shirts or mugs. This is a great way to increase your income and continue to reap the benefits of your work. Finally, writing a book can be a great way to connect with other people and build relationships. Through book launches, signings, and other events, you can meet other authors and readers, and build your own network. Writing a book can also help you form connections with potential customers, influencers, and business partners, making it a great way to expand your reach and increase your impact.
4. Develop a plan: Work with a book coach who can help you strip away all the layers of emotion and uncover the deeper truths of your story.
The first step in developing a plan to work with a book coach is to identify the goals of the project. Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by writing a book. Are you looking to raise your profile as a business leader, share your expertise, or tell a personal story? Once you have identified your goals, it's important to find a book coach who is a good fit for your project. You want to work with someone who understands your vision and can help you achieve your goals. This process can be intimidating and uncomfortable, but it is essential for writing a book that resonates with readers. Your book coach can help you to identify and articulate your core message, craft a compelling narrative, and make sure your story is told in an engaging and compelling way. Finally, it’s important to ensure that you have a plan in place for the process of writing, editing, and publishing your book. Your book coach can help you to create a timeline and set realistic goals, as well as provide guidance on the technical aspects of self-publishing. With the right plan in place and a great book coach by your side, you can write a bestselling book that will captivate your readers.
Once you have identified a book coach who is a good fit for your project, the next step is to establish a plan for working together. Many book coaches offer packages that include a combination of coaching sessions, one-on-one time, and feedback on your work. When creating a plan, consider how often you will meet with your coach, what topics you plan to cover, and how much time you will dedicate to writing and editing. It is important to have a clear plan that outlines expectations and goals, so both you and your coach can stay on track. Finally, it is important to ensure that you have an understanding of the process of writing, editing, and publishing your book. Your book coach can provide guidance on the technical aspects of self-publishing, such as formatting, cover design, and marketing strategies. Make sure you are aware of the costs and timelines associated with each step of the process, so you can create a realistic plan for completing and publishing your book.
5. Let go: Let go of what you thought your book should be about and be open to unexpected turns.
Letting go of what you thought your book should be about is a critical step in the process of writing a bestselling book. It can be a scary step, as it requires you to open yourself up to unexpected turns and to trust the process of writing. It is important to recognize that allowing yourself to let go of what you thought your book should be about is a process of transformation. You must be willing to take a leap of faith, to take a left turn or a right turn, and to recognize that the words will lead you to the next level of magic. The first step in letting go is to recognize that you must go deeper than the surface level of your story. When writing a book, it is not enough to just have one idea or to produce a quick article. You must be willing to tap into the subconscious material that is hidden in the back of your brain, the material that is often overlooked or blocked by the ‘show and glow’ that goes along with being a public speaker or a podcaster. You must be willing to write the story down and listen to what is really going on in your head. Finally, it is important to recognize that it is okay to take your time and to trust your process.
Once you have let go of what you initially thought your book should be about, it is time to turn your attention to the actual writing process. This is where many authors get stuck as they become overwhelmed with the thought of starting from scratch. To help you get started, it is important to break down the writing process into manageable tasks. Set yourself a writing goal each day and stick to it. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that you are making steady progress toward the completion of your book. It is also important to set aside time to review and revise your writing. This is an integral part of the writing process, as it allows you to refine and perfect your work. Make sure to give yourself permission to edit, re-write and refine your work until it is truly up to the standard that you are aiming for. Giving yourself the time to review and refine your work will be beneficial in the long run and will help you to produce a book that is of the highest quality.
6. Take action: Set aside adequate time
Writing a book requires focus and dedication, and setting aside time can help to ensure that you are not only able to make progress, but also that you are able to stay motivated and on track with your project. Depending on what your schedule looks like, it may be helpful to set aside a specific block of time each day that you can dedicate to writing. This could be an hour in the morning, an hour in the evening, or whatever works best for you. Additionally, it may help to set aside a specific day or days of the week to devote entirely to writing, so that you can really focus on the task at hand. Having a dedicated space to write can also be beneficial, as it can help to create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and productivity.
In order to make the most of your allotted writing time, it can be helpful to come up with a plan or outline of what you would like to accomplish each day. This can help to ensure that you are staying on track and making progress toward the completion of your book. Additionally, it may be beneficial to use a timer when writing, as this can help to keep you focused and avoid distractions. Setting a timer can also help to make sure that you are not spending too much time on a single task or idea, which can help to keep your momentum going. Finally, it can also be helpful to set realistic goals for yourself on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This can help to keep you motivated, as each time you accomplish a goal you can feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Knowing that each day you are taking steps towards the completion of your book can be invaluable in helping you stay focused and on track.
Writing a book can be a powerful way for high achievers to transform their identity and create a lasting, positive impact on their field of expertise. It is a process of discovering oneself, letting go of preconceived notions, and uncovering the depths of one's stories and experiences. With the right motivation, plan, and support, anyone with a story to tell has the potential to write a successful book and transform their identity as a high achiever. The key is to take the first step of acknowledging the need for a transformation and take action by setting aside time to write. With dedication and determination, you can achieve the same success as Kim O'Hara and the many other high achievers who have successfully written and published books.
