So You Think You Can Write?

The 4 core traits that separate great writers from average ones

Moon Arica

Aug 19, 2024

Think writing is about having excellent writing skills?

Think again.

It's not just about what you can do with words.

It's about who you are as a writer.

No one is born with innate writing prowess.

Writing is a craft that gets sharpened over time.

Before you worry about perfecting your technique, there are 4 core traits that are crucial.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re absolutely essential.

Let me make this crystal clear: without these traits, your writing journey is going to be a tough slog.

Relying solely on your technical skills?

You're missing out on the bigger picture.

Let’s dive into these 4 core traits and see how they set great writers apart from the rest.

1. Mindset

The foundation of your writing journey

You don’t need to be born a writer.

Writing isn’t a birthright, and there’s no such thing as “writer genes” in your lineage.

What you need is the right mindset.

Many aspiring writers fall into the trap of believing that talent is everything.

They think, “If I don’t have talent, there’s no point in trying.” And with that mindset, they’re already defeated.

They believe effort is pointless.
They think luck is something they don’t have.
They assume destiny isn’t on their side.

I used to think like that too—until I saw how the online world works.

I saw how others start from the most basic and work their way up.

People who share their writing struggles and finally made it.

I’ve since changed my mindset from solely beliving in talent to just start writing.

Trust me, having the right mindset works.

A wrong mindset keeps you stuck and limits your potential to:

embrace challenges
overcome the fear of failures
use setbacks as propellers to push yourself forward

But a growth mindset? That changes everything.

When you see:

roadblocks
hurdles
snags
barriers
pitfalls
difficulties
complications

as opportunities to grow, your growth mindset transforms your writing journey.

These obstacles aren’t there to stop you; they’re there to teach you.

It’s not about avoiding failure.

It’s about using it to fuel your growth.

This mindset is the very foundation of your writing, supporting every word you write, every sentence you craft, and every story you tell.

2. Consistency

The engine of progress

You have the right mindset, you may also have talent.

But know this: consistency beats talent.

Let that sink in.

It’s the engine that drives your writing journey forward.

Many writers start strong, riding the high of inspiration. But when that initial spark fades, their momentum fizzled out.

Talent might give you a head start.

But without consistency? You’re stuck on the sidelines.

Consistency is what turns a flash of genius into a finished masterpiece.

Talent may ignite your creativity, but it’s consistency that keeps the fire burning.

Writing every day—even when the words don’t come easily—builds the muscle you need to succeed.

I had this realization when I took up a month long challenge to write 1,000 words every day.

When I looked at my word count, I knew I didn’t hit the goal every single day.

But shift the focus a little?

I didn’t hit the daily goal, but I did write every day.

Sometimes as little as 200 words.

And that’s crucial.

Here’s the screenshot from the challenge:

See full results here.

Daily writing is the ultimate workout for your brain.

The more you do it, the stronger you get.

Consistency transforms daily effort into habit, and habits into mastery.

It’s not about nailing it every time.

it’s about:

showing up
putting in the work
pushing through resistance

Over time, those small, daily efforts add up.

They compound, turning your scribbles into stories, and your ideas into impact.

3. Confidence

The Key to Authentic Expression

Now you have the right mindset and a consistent habit, what’s next?

Confidence.

You could be a “word wizard”, but if you lack confidence?

The wizard will never see the light of day.

Your ideas are locked away.

Your writing remains unseen, your voice unheard.

Confidence is the unlock code.

Confident writers don’t succumb to self-doubt; you face it head-on.

You push through your barriers, and make your content richer and more compelling.

Confidence is what gives you the guts to hit 'publish,' to share your work, to let the world in on your thoughts.

And get this, confidence breeds more confidence.

The more you share, the more you grow.

It’s a cycle that propels you forward, turning you from cautious to bold, from bold to great.

4. Opinion

The Power of Your Unique Voice

Your voice is your most powerful tool.

It’s more powerful than perfect grammar or flawless structure.

Don’t hide it, harness it.

If you focus only on technical perfection...
If you play it safe...
If you conform to the norm...
If you don’t express your true opinions...

Your writing blends into the noise, just another voice in the crowd.

But when you write your unique voice, your writing transforms.

The world doesn’t just want polished sentences, it wants to hear you.

If people just want well-crafted sentences, model essays and dictionaries will do the job.

What they really crave is your take on the world.

A combination of what you think, feel, and believe.

Your unique perspective is what make your writing authentic.

it’s about being real.

And real is what resonates.

So, you think you can write?

It’s about building the foundation that every great writer stands on.

Mindset fuels your journey
Consistency drives your progress
Confidence unlocks your voice
Opinion shapes your unique perspective

With these four non-negotiable core traits: mindset, consistency, opinion, and confidence, that’s the difference between being average and being unforgettable.

You don’t just write.

You create. You impact. You transform.

But this transformation doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens when you embrace these traits, integrate them into your life, and let them guide every word you write.

It’s time to stop second-guessing your potential and start embodying these traits.

Look at your writing habits and ask yourself:

Where can I strengthen my mindset?
How to ensure I’m consistent?
Where can I show more confidence?
How can I let my opinion shine?

Don’t just think about it. Act on it.

Write today, tomorrow, and the day after that.

Let your growth mindset push you through every challenge.

Show up consistently, even when it’s tough.

Speak with confidence, and let your voice be heard.

And most importantly, write with conviction—because your unique voice is what the world needs.