You Do Not Have To Start From A Blank Page

I used to think every idea I shared had to be entirely new. That pressure often kept me from making anything at all.

Creators learn from books, conversations, examples, and their own experience. They can put ideas together in a useful way and add a perspective shaped by the work they have done.

Gather Ideas With Care

Read widely and keep notes on questions your audience asks. Look for ideas that connect. Give credit when an idea or example comes from someone else.

Add Your Own Experience

A personal story, lesson, or clear opinion can make familiar information useful to the people who follow you. Show what you tried, what happened, and what you would do next.

Make Something Useful

Start with the problem you want to help someone solve. Use what you have learned, write in your own words, and publish a piece you can stand behind. You can improve it as you learn more.

Using sources for inspiration does not mean copying another person’s work. Respect their words and ideas while making your own contribution.

Adapted from Joshua’s 2023 podcast episode and saved show notes. This is an edited article, not a copy of the original blog post.