What's the most difficult aspect of writing?  Most people would say getting started.

Both student and professional writers alike struggle with the initial process of writing – the pre-writing stage.  Pre-writing involves choosing a topic, brainstorming, collecting ideas, conducting research, and outlining one's thoughts.  In fact, pre-writing is the most extensive phase of the highly accepted “6-Step Model of Writing” which includes (1) Pre-writing (2) Drafting (3) Revising (4) Editing/Proofreading (5) Publishing and (6) Reflecting. 

Once you've got your topic and your outline – the rest of the process is usually simple.

Writer's Block anyone??

What do training and writing have in common? 

In both forums, the planning portion is crucial.  Truly effective training is well thought-out, devised with a specific audience in mind, and compiled with extensive research and supporting materials.

The concept of training is also similar to pre-writing in that the preparation is almost as important, if not MORE important than the final product.  If you don't organize your written work, it's not going to come out the way you want it.  If you don't go through training and fully develop your skills prior to taking on a job – guess what?  You're not going to perform well. 

So before you write that novel – take all the necessary pre-writing steps to lay the proper foundation.  Get inspired, lock yourself in a room, blast your music, don't eat for days… (Or whatever those creative people do when they're seeking inspiration…)

And before you step up to the plate in your next role at work – put in the time, get the training done, understand your personal abilities and the culture around you…

Rome wasn't built in a day.  Neither was an excellent novel – or a super-incredible well-trained employee.  Take the time to lay your foundation – in your writing and in your job.