When it comes to meeting our writing goals, many of  us could benefit from working with a writing coach. There are many reasons we don’t do things we really want to do–like write a memoir, for example. It might be the critical voice of a high school teacher (you know who I’m talking about) admonishing you for misspelled words or incorrect grammar and overlooking the fact that your concept is ingenious. Maybe you had a parent who was never satisfied regardless of the amount of effort put into a particular task. Perhaps you were teased by siblings and classmates for being different or not smart enough.

Whatever the reason, these childhood incidents–even though they occurred decades ago–leave an imprint. In many cases these memories become beliefs that prevent us from taking risks, and doing what we really want to do. As a result, it’s like we’re frozen at the end of the high dive. You either stand there until someone helps you climb back down or eventually you jump or get pushed.

The first option leaves you feeling defeated; the other  makes you realize that you can overcome your fear and be successful — even if you have to be pushed.

My role as writing coach is to give you the tools you need to jump off the high dive (and in some cases, even give you a gentle nudge), especially  if you don’t think you’re quite ready to do it.

Here are some of the benefits of working with a writing coach:

• You’ll have someone who checks in with you on a regular basis.
• When you’re stuck, you’ll have someone to brainstorm with you.
• You’ll be following a process that has worked for others.
• You’ll accomplish your writing goals.
• You’ll be motivated to write every day, and get better at the craft.