by Kaushik Guha

Created on: June 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult do you think writing a self help article is?(1 being easiest, 10 being hardest)

If you think of yourself as an ordinary guy with limited creative talents, I guess you will rate on the higher side of 5.

You know what, I believe it's actually easier than that.

One of the beautiful things about self help teachings that I love is the openness of it all. There is no rigidity of structure when it comes to writing a self help article. Which means you necessarily do not need to follow a linear sequence always and have a beginning-end plotline preplanned in your head.

Why is that so?

Because self help articles are not meant to be a spoon-fed how to guide. When I write an article on How to overcome procrastination, I am not writing it with the intention or the hope that if the reader just follows the easy to do 1-2-3 steps, procrastination will automatically leave his life forever and attach itself to his boss.

No.

The purpose of any self help article on a smaller scale is actually similar to that offered by a spiritual text.

It is meant as a signpost(I learnt this word from Eckhart Tolle) pointing the reader to a correct way of thinking. It is merely a tool for aligning his focus and awareness in the right way.

And this is done as much through actual words as through the energy that the author communicates in.

Basically, you might not agree with this, but the words are actually of a lesser importance if the energy connection is proper. No matter what you say, if it's coming from a place of authenticity deep inside you, trust me it's going to make a positive impact on the reader.

I have often noticed that the guys that are good at this kind of teaching can write about two different topics that appear to be of opposite nature on the surface but still offer a lot of value to the reader.

For example, somebody can write about how going against the grain is the only way to achieve growth.

While the same person can write that going with the flow is the law of nature .Because in nature, nothing is forceful, it's all natural, effortless.

From practical experience, both of this are logically true, aren't they?

But if the author is communicating with the correct energy, both these writings will serve the main purpose of providing a signpost to point the reader in the right direction.

And that is all is required.

Every time you go through an experience that has a emotional impact on you, good or bad, trust me- you got the material to write an article. Because everytime we are moved emotionally, we rationalize and in the process, we learn something.

You share your learning experience with others and bingo, you got an instructional piece out there.

See?

As easy as 1 2 3.

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