Focus on verbs over nouns

I’ve really enjoyed reading Jeff Tweedy’s book How to write one song – a pocket-sized edition focused on taking the first step of writing a song (as distinct from becoming a songwriter).

In the first chapter he makes this statement:

Maybe it’s a cliché, but you have to focus on verbs over nouns – what you want to do, not what you want to be.

Jeffy Tweedy – How to write one song

This resonates with me really strongly – and speaks particularly to some situations I’m in right at the moment. The idea of thinking through the things I like to do – rather than the thought of being the kind of person that does those things is a really helpful distinction.

It’s easy to look at a person, their occupation or hobby, or even some idealised type of person – and think “I want to be them!”. In reality, it is far better to dig in a little and think about the types of things you want to do. Then you end up being you – just doing the things you like and value.

Published by jordesign

I'm a web guy who lives in Wollongong, Australia with my awesome wife and 2 little girls.

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