Here’s one of the things about writing:  What you commit to the computer screen, laptop, smart phone or paper is yours.  You own it.  It is about you because what you write comes from inside.
 
What does this mean for a leader or someone in business who is searching for a message?  It means you must express yourself.  Speak from the heart.  Own the message.
 
Everyone wants to get their point across.  You may seek to motivate employees or drive a customer to make a decision.  Your communication may only be about reassuring the troops that the company is going in the right direction, and giving the reasons employees should keep focusing on the task at hand.
 
In any situation, how you say something brings your unique personality and insights to the communication.  If you believe something is funny and should be inserted in a paragraph, go for it.  That’s you.  People will see that side of you. 
 
If there is some outrageous or weird example that reinforces your point, put it in if it’s relevant to you.  That’s the connection you make, and your writing will reflect your voice.
 
Relax.  Say what you want to say.  You can always go back and edit before publishing.  Express your personality.

​There’s nothing more powerful than the truth.  Let that sink in.
 
I’m currently reading a book that focuses on how much we are lied to in our daily lives, how often stories are distorted, manipulated, exaggerated.  As readers, employees, coworkers, bosses or in our lives as citizens in a Democracy, we grow jaded and cynical by the BS.  At a minimum, we know we are not being told the whole story.  At worst, advertising, politicians, business leaders and newscasters push outright lies on us.
 
As the dog dirt piles up on us daily, we stop believing what people have to say.  It is a major reason cynicism is the emotion of our times.

It is a big reason, too, why telling the truth is important, even if you believe it might hurt your business, your professional standing, your image or relationships.  People get the truth.  They recognize when you lay yourself on the line, when you let it all out.  We are a forgiving species us humans, and we give a person additional leeway if you come clean.  Because we all have failed, we all have done stupid things, others nod their head when you tell the truth, and say to themselves, “Hmmm, I can relate.  He screwed up, but at least he’s letting us know.  I’ll give him a second chance.”
 
You won’t necessarily get a third or fourth chance, so don’t screw up on the same issue again.  But that’s usually an indication you need to leave your position, company or relationship.  Something is wrong.  So fix it.  But that’s another story.
 
Telling the truth builds a bond of trust between you and your audience.  They get a bead on your soul, who you are inside.  That’s priceless.

​You can over-use the word “can,” as I just did.  “Can” is another one of those throw-away words you should strive to eliminate from your write.  It increases passivity when you insert it.  It also implies you won’t get things done.

Hmmm, we “can” finish the job.  Shouldn’t that be:  “Finish the job” or “we will finish the job?” 
 
When you eliminate “can” you take hesitancy and indecision out of the equation.  Instead, you’ll make a definitive statement and be more likely to move your readers in the direction you want.
 
“I know it’s possible we can finish this project early” is better put:  “We will finish this project early.”  Or, “We’re going to finish the project early.”
 
When you write, give your work a quick go-over to see if you “can” remove the “can’s.”  See how to remove them.  Remove them.  There, now I can feel better.  Oh, well, I know I can do better.  

​There’s a great golf book written by Jimmy Roberts called “Breaking the Slump.”  He interviews 18 high profile professional golfers about slumps in their golf games and how they overcame the problems to get back on track.
 
We all encounter slumps, even writers.  We grow bored with material.  Stress makes you feel overwhelmed and you can’t focus.  Sometimes the subject matter is overly complicated or so simplistic that you struggle to find ways to make it palatable to readers.
 
When you hit the wall, there are many ways you can recalibrate and recharge.  One of the best is just to get up and walk away from your desk.  Go outside and walk around the block.  Breathe deeply.  Let your fantasy life activate.  When you come back to your computer, you’ll be invigorated.
 
If you’re having a mental block, another technique is to set aside your project and move to another one that is fun.  Maybe you like surfing vacation spots on the Internet.  If so, go for it.  Let your mind disengage.
 
A third possibility to reinvigorate your mind when you are challenged is to take the subject matter you are working on and research how others have communicated it.  Don’t steal, but look at how others structure the information and let it percolate inside you.  Take notes, then put it in your own words.  Seeing how others write in the fields you cover is very helpful in breaking a writing slump.
 
If you continue to struggle, take a nap or go to bed.  Tomorrow is always another day.