At any given moment in time, it’s estimated that between 80% and 90% of the population wants to write a book. Ironically, an astounding 99% of those people never publish the book they are so passionate about writing. So, what happens to that majority? At the end of their lives, they are consumed by regret because they never wrote that book they always wanted to write. Their dreams of leaving a legacy behind are crushed because they didn’t realize this one very important thing—you’re never too old to write your book.
I’ve worked with hundreds of authors to write, publish, and market their books. And here’s what I’ve realized:
“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
—Jim Rohn
Writing a book will involve pain—EFFORT. Sometimes it’s physical, sometimes it’s emotional. It’s more often than not that invisible pain residing in the back of our minds that tells us, over and over, “I’m not good enough to write my book.” I call those self-limiting beliefs, and I’m here to tell you today that everyone has them. I’ve even had them at some point in my life. But you know what I did? I recognized them for what they were—insecurities driven by my fear of failure. Does that sound familiar?
However, NOT writing a book will involve more pain—REGRET. The pain of diving in and writing my book was easy because it was a pain that eased over time as I proved to myself that I was worthy of my writing dreams and goals. When you’re in pain, you can either stay in pain, or you can act to ease the pain. That makes the pain worth it—because it drives to being a better, more positive, more fulfilled version of yourself. But the pain of regret? That can be permanent if you don’t act on your dreams in your lifetime.
In my own life, I’m glad I chose temporary pain, rather than the kind that lasts forever. That’s why I’m here talking to you today. Whether you’re 17 or 78 years old, there is still time left to write that book you can’t stop thinking about.
One of our Author Academy Elite Authors, Pat Gano, now in her 80s, recognized that she wasn’t too old to write her book. She wrote The Language of Heaven: 5 Gifts That Create LEGACY. Pat threw away her self-limiting beliefs and understood she wasn’t too old to write that book she always dreamed of writing. It’s not too late for you, either!
Just like I believe in Pat, I believe you have what it takes too. However, you may just not have the tools … at least not yet. Click here to discover how to write your story and become an author.
Don’t let your story die inside you. Don’t live a life of regret.
QUESTION: What topic makes you most happy to write about?
Please comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you know someone who needs to read this, please encourage them by sharing this post!
11 replies to "You’re Never Too Old to Write A Book"
There are two topics really. 1) running and 2) God
Great topics!
Thanks for you feedback.
What I have learned in writing my book is that this is not an either-or process. Meaning, I thought that I had to 1) reach a certain level in my life and 2) then I would be “ready” to write it. (As if waiting for the magical moment that would just come and be right to write would show up! HAHA!) Mom of 9, special needs kids, breadwinner, disability, mental illness, debt, hiding from an ex-husband who wants to kill us (we could go on and one, but I think this covers it). NO EXCUSES!
Authors, writers, and wannabe-s out there, if you have the book, idea, a dream then just wake up 1 hour early and get started. Do you have a pencil/pen/marker and a post-it/napkin/notepad? Then you have what you need. If you have a computer, well it just got a little faster—haha. But honestly, just start. The timing will NEVER be RIGHT to WRITE so just start. You have life or you have death. I can guarantee that one will allow you to write and one won’t. Chose to WRITE!
Great advice! You are amazing.
I like to write music, write about music, write about hope, optimism, overcoming obstacles, motivation, thinking positively (even when we don’t feel all these things) and about the Bible and God – He inspires me.
Awesome! No one else better to be inspired by.