• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Books & Courses
  • Mugs
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free Writing Course

3 Creative Habits That’ll Make You More Inspired and Prolific All Year

by Henneke | 127 enchanting opinions, add yours? :)

These 3 creative habits will make you more inspired and prolificWhat are your creative goals this year?

And how are you planning to achieve your goals?

Henry knows what his goals are. He wants to write a book. He’d like to draw more. And he wants to create his very first course.

Ambitious?

Sure, his goals are audacious, but Henry feels he’s got the motivation and willpower to make this his best year ever.

Have you ever tried to exercise your willpower?

And?

Did it work?

Research has never proven that willpower can be practiced and strengthened. Even worse, research suggests that telling ourselves we lack willpower (and that we need to strengthen it) is enough to prevent us from implementing our plans.

And even more weirdly, people who think they have a lot of self-control, rarely exercise their self-control.

Instead, they nurture the right habits to plan for success. They avoid relying on willpower.

How to plan for creative success

Creative inspiration may seem to come out of nothing.

Isn’t that what an Aha! moment is?

But Aha! moments and creative inspiration aren’t conjured up out of nothingness; they’re based on solid work. When we put in our hours diligently, our muse will turn up to reward us with a spark of inspiration.

As Kaufman and Gregoire write in their book Wired to Create, inspiration and effort feed off each other. When you’re more inspired, you put in more effort. And when you put in more effort, you feel more inspired. It’s a dynamic interplay.

So, creative habits help us write more regularly and set us up for creative success.

Want to achieve your creative goals this year?

The infographic below outlines three essential creative habits to help you plan for your success.

Grab the embed code below to display the image on your website:

Recommended reading on creative habits:

How to be a prolific writer: 6 myths
How reading feeds my writing habit
A dilly-dallier’s guide to nurturing a writing habit

Recommended course:

Write It, Don’t Fight It: A Step-by-Step Course to Become a Joyful and Prolific Writer

Share
Share

Enjoyed this? Get my fortnightly newsletter in your inbox > > >

Get my best writing tips in your inbox ...

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit

Reader Interactions

Share
Share

Leave a comment and join the conversation Cancel reply

Comments

  1. Lynn Haste says

    June 15, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    Hello Henneke,
    This article was a very uplifting and helpful read. I’m not a writer, but, a professional artist. However, I would like to say, that your words are inspiring and give me hope that the negative “speak” can be conquered. Thank you for providing so much good advice!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      June 15, 2022 at 5:52 pm

      Yes, the negative talk can be conquered or quietened. It takes time and effort but it’s worth it. Happy creating!

      Reply
  2. Jim says

    October 31, 2020 at 12:07 am

    Hello Henneke,
    The way you write your articles is really good and makes a complex subject understandable.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      October 31, 2020 at 10:41 am

      Thank you, Jim. Happy creating!

      Reply
  3. Dom Haines says

    May 7, 2020 at 10:08 pm

    What lovely illustrations, very creative in itself!

    I find myself coming up with ideas when my mind gets a break. For example, if I’m working all day but then need to drive somewhere for 3 hours – I’m full of ideas when I arrive and scribble them all down.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      May 8, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      Sounds like you’ve got a good process for coming up with ideas and keeping track of them!

      Thank you for your compliment on the illustrations 🙂

      Reply
  4. Delta L McNeish says

    January 14, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Your words are Hennekalerious!!!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 14, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      Thank you, Delta 😀

      Reply
  5. Kathy Brown says

    May 10, 2019 at 5:43 pm

    Please add a email button to share!

    Reply
  6. Shweta says

    February 21, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Hello Henneke,
    I just love the way you write your articles and mould up each complex topic into simpler ones.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      February 22, 2019 at 10:30 am

      Thank you so much, Shweta. Happy writing!

      Reply
  7. Flossie McCowald says

    February 6, 2019 at 4:09 am

    Ohh, I LOVE this! This maps so well with what I’ve learned and experienced in my own life, but your infographic sums it up so much more eloquently than I ever could! Thanks! #heartandsoullinkup

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      February 6, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Flossie. I’m glad you have the same experience with your creative habits 🙂

      Reply
  8. Nick says

    January 30, 2019 at 11:39 am

    Henneke another superb article.

    I’m trying something new recently, i ask myself the same 5 empowering questions every morning. It moves me into a positive state and my day to day has been much more productive!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 31, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      That sounds great! It reminds me a little of the 5-minute journal. That’s also meant to start off the day, feeling positive and empowered. It can make a real difference!

      Reply
  9. Dr. Nicolas Rao says

    January 22, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    Loved every word. Agree with all. Just the kick in the B that was required. Sloth is a terrible enemy and yes the mind comes up with terrific ideas when you are doing daily chores.
    Thank you Henneke. Enjoyed your writing as usual. All the very best. ❤️

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 22, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      Doing daily chores is surprisingly useful for boosting creativity! But my favorite is going out for a walk or get on my bike 🙂

      Reply
  10. Stephanie Philp says

    January 22, 2019 at 12:08 am

    I love this infographic and your post Henneke. So easy to read and absorb and a lovely change from the massive blocks of text on some blogs. Thank you for your creation. 🙂

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 22, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      And thank you for your lovely comment, Stephanie. I appreciate it 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sanjay Shrivastava says

    January 20, 2019 at 3:06 am

    I think I can write well but don’t stop thinking and start writing at once. I’ve been reading you for a year now but still I hesitate. That’s true in my case.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 20, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      Writing requires a lot of thinking, so it’s quite normal to be hesitant before starting to write. It only becomes a problem when we start procrastinating—when we delay writing because we’re anxious about getting started or because we want to write a perfect sentence in one go.

      Reply
  12. Kathy says

    January 18, 2019 at 2:38 am

    Late to the party this week but absolutely gorgeous artwork, my friend!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 19, 2019 at 11:14 am

      Henrietta’s party never seems to stop, so you can pop in any time 🙂

      Reply
  13. Andrea Phillips says

    January 17, 2019 at 8:59 pm

    You are the epitome of creativity in this post Henneke! These are great tips.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 19, 2019 at 11:13 am

      Thank you so much for your compliment, Andrea. Happy writing!

      Reply
  14. Kara K Bergin says

    January 17, 2019 at 12:50 am

    absolutely adorable

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 17, 2019 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you, Kara 🙂

      Reply
  15. David Hartshorne says

    January 13, 2019 at 6:50 pm

    Great info-drawing!
    And I love the name diffuse-mode thinking. I was already practising the One Thing as a source of my focus, and now I have a name for all that background thinking and processing.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 14, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      I’m glad you like the info-drawing.

      Somehow, I found that labeling this type of mind-wandering as diffuse-mode thinking may make me use this mode better. Happy thinking and happy writing, David! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Mike says

    January 13, 2019 at 1:07 pm

    I have definitely done more to stifle my own creativity than anyone else in my life. It took getting older to finally realize that the inner critic is usually just being a jerk and I should ignore him.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 13, 2019 at 2:04 pm

      Yes, it’s really true that we’re often our own worst enemies, isn’t it? Thank you for stopping by, Mike!

      Reply
  17. Robert Springer says

    January 11, 2019 at 6:20 pm

    Great post, Henneke. Reminds me of this: Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.

    Your drawings keep improving! It’s obvious that you’ve spent the time to make them a true addition to your posts.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 12, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      Thank you, Robert. I’m glad you see my drawings as a true addition to my writing 🙂

      It’s interesting what Scott Barry Kaufman says about that quote in his book Wired to Create: “It doesn’t make much sense to single out perspiration as important and treat inspiration as unimportant. They are jointly important!”

      Reply
  18. Firdaos says

    January 11, 2019 at 4:32 am

    Thank you for this post. I hope I can finish my first ebook this Januari.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 11, 2019 at 11:23 am

      That sounds great. Go for it!

      Reply
  19. Alia Diaz says

    January 10, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    Oh! What an excellent infographic! `love it. This post excites me to enhance my writing skill. Gracias, Henneke.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 10, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      That makes me happy, Alia. Thank you. Happy writing!

      Reply
  20. Julia Rymut says

    January 10, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    Hi Henneke,

    What a wonderful graphic! Of course, I love the beautiful drawings–so colorful and whimsical and enchanting.

    But also, I love how you summarized and collated so many different ideas on willpower and then, as if this wasn’t enough, took these ideas and offered great tips on getting the creative juices flowing.

    Thank you. I am very inspired and can’t wait to play with your ideas!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 10, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      Thank you so much, Julia, for your lovely compliment. It was quite a challenge to summarize the ideas and also give practical tips, and then illustrate it all. It was a great holiday project 🙂

      I’m so happy this post makes you feel inspired. Happy creating!

      Reply
  21. Alison Beere says

    January 10, 2019 at 10:56 am

    I am fascinated by infographics, seeing words and images work together to enhance each other. I think you achieved that here, Henneke – I love it ?.

    I have realised that having a growth mindset is a cultivation process, a decision that I make over and over as my circumstances shift.

    I like the reminder to embrace constant sources of inspiration. Sometimes my inner critic uses my inspirations to highlight a lack of personal output – I will take the opportunity to reframe that in future ?

    Here’s to an inspiring 2019 ?

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 10, 2019 at 7:01 pm

      I love your phrase cultivation process. I’ve also found that nurturing a growth mindset requires a constant reframing of our thoughts and also small actions to keep growing. When I look back on my writing or drawing over the years, I can see how I’m growing and I feel more excited about the journey ahead.

      Thank you for all your support, Alison. It means a lot to me. Wishing you a creative 2019 with unexpected sources inspiration!

      Reply
  22. Thom says

    January 10, 2019 at 4:15 am

    I really love your new format Henneke! I’m more of a visual learner that’s why. Ideas stick more easily with pictures. Keep it up! 🙂

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 10, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you, Thom. I’m glad you like it!

      Reply
  23. Annamarie Muirhead says

    January 9, 2019 at 11:02 pm

    Excellent Henneke, your drawings are making me happy just to look at. I have this never give up attitude and working on my first Novel, started late last year. No more pics books just story. I have two more in the waiting line, so better keep going. Life is also quite demanding and my years in the high numbers are steadily getting higher. I hope you had a great and successful year. Best wishes lots of love for 2019.
    Annamarie M.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 10, 2019 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Annamarie. I’m glad my drawings are making you happy!

      And congratulations on starting your first novel. That’s fabulous. Wishing you a wonderfully creative 2019 full of writing joy.

      Reply
  24. Tatyana says

    January 9, 2019 at 11:57 am

    Love this format! It’s fun and informative at the same time. So cool! You are not just a prolific writer, Henneke, but a prolific drawer too! 🙂

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 9, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      Thank you, Tatyana. I find it quite hard to both draw and write a lot. Last year, I’ve written quite a lot, but in the last few weeks I’ve not written at all, but drawn a lot. This year, I’ll try to figure out a way to do both regularly!

      Reply
      • Tatyana says

        January 10, 2019 at 10:01 am

        Yes, I know what you mean Henneke. It’s almost like that left brain / right brain kind of situation, haha.

        Well, it will be a treat for us (your readers) once you are writing AND drawing. It will take your storytelling to a whole new level. 🙂 And I cherish the stories you tell.

        Reply
  25. Virginia says

    January 9, 2019 at 9:08 am

    Happy 2019 Henneke 🙂
    I loved this post and its format is unique, good job! I found myself smiling with every drawing (the details are amazing), the tips that perfectly paired with each sketch and the witty references (Dr. Seuss cat’s hat was brilliant). I enjoy reading about our self critique – something I personally struggle with too – and love that she is a solid character of your posts.

    Cheers to a wonderful 2019 🙂

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 9, 2019 at 10:06 am

      Henrietta impersonating the Cat in the Hat made me smile 🙂

      Harsh self-critique is so common, but we can really work on it and make our critiques more productive.

      Thank you for stopping by, Virginia. Good to see you again. Wishing you a wonderfully creative and productive 2019!

      Reply
  26. Bill says

    January 9, 2019 at 6:05 am

    Henneke,

    If you look up the word “creativity” in the dictionary, there’s a picture of you!

    Thanks for all you do.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 9, 2019 at 10:01 am

      And imagine, for many years I thought I wasn’t creative!

      Thank you for your beautiful compliment, Bill. I appreciate it 🙂

      Reply
  27. Yolanda says

    January 9, 2019 at 4:04 am

    Such a beautiful infographic, Henneke! Thank you for this. I’m a big believer in cross-pollination and find inspiration in the most unlikely places (and subjects).

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 9, 2019 at 10:00 am

      Yes, I also find inspiration in the most unlikely places. It’s wonderful how that works.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Yolanda.

      Reply
  28. Penelope Silvers says

    January 9, 2019 at 2:36 am

    Wow, Henneke! This post was just bursting with color and fun. I imagine it was also a joy to create.

    Keep inspiring us, keep writing, keep drawing! You are becoming quite a master. 😉

    Happy 2019!!!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 9, 2019 at 9:58 am

      Yes, it was a lot of fun to create.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Penelope. Wishing you a joyful 2019!

      Reply
  29. Tal says

    January 8, 2019 at 10:25 pm

    its an awesome infodrawing
    Love it.
    all aspects
    <3

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 9, 2019 at 9:57 am

      Thank you, Tal! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Kristin in Oregon says

    January 8, 2019 at 9:30 pm

    You are amazing and talented! Thank you for sharing with us your writing, your life, your art, your gifts… I am inspired to write this year also! You are helping me get to that place of focus to make it happen. Sending you my warmest wishes.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 9:34 pm

      Yay! It makes me happy, Kirstin, that you feel inspired to write this year, too. May this year be full of creative energy for you!

      Reply
  31. Joan Bell says

    January 8, 2019 at 8:38 pm

    Oh, Henneke, this is such a joyous post. I love the colours, the flowers and your “perfect doesn’t exist” drawing just melted my heart. I love the quotes and ‘inner game’ subtle message woven throughout. Thank you, and I wish you a fabulous 2019 bursting full of creative and joyous connections with your favourite muse. ♡

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:57 pm

      What a lovely compliment, Joan. Thank you. Wishing you an enchanting 2019 bursting with creativity, too!

      I think Henrietta might be my muse. 😉

      Reply
  32. Abdu says

    January 8, 2019 at 7:45 pm

    very simple words with deep meanings , I liked more the quote “the worst enemy of creativity is self-doubt “. i have an opinion though in order to be brilliant writer you need to read more and more without stop until the bank of thoughts to be developed in one’s brain .

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      Yes, reading is useful, and living, too.

      Reply
  33. Aditya says

    January 8, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    I love your art Henneke. You should create such ‘Info-comics’ more often. I’d gladly read them.
    Thanks to you, now I know how to find new ideas.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you, Aditya. I wish I had the time to do this every month, but I don’t think that’s feasible. I do hope to publish more drawings more regularly, though.

      Reply
  34. Paul Williams says

    January 8, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Henneke, all I can say is AMEN. You have captured the writer’s mindset beautifully. Love the sunflowers.
    Paul – sunny Sydney

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you, Paul. I imagine the sunflowers might be flowering in sunny Sydney? 🙂

      Reply
  35. Kate Fisher says

    January 8, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    I love your infographic, Henneke. It combines some of my favorite ideas and your charming illustrations in a flow that makes so much sense! How did you put it all together? Was it all hand-drawn away from the computer or do you use the computer to organize your ideas and then draw? Beautiful!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:51 pm

      Thank you, Kate 🙂

      And yes, it was all hand-drawn (colored pencils) and hand-written (ink & nib) in a sketchbook, then scanned. I used PhotoShop to assemble the various drawings into the infographic. I had to do some re-drawing and re-writing to make it flow and look “right.” It was a big project!

      Reply
  36. Gleniece says

    January 8, 2019 at 6:23 pm

    I absolutely loved your creative use of this infographic. It had me smiling and eager for the next bit of wisdom as I scrolled through. Thank you for sharing, Henneke!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      Thank you so much, Gleniece. I’m thrilled that you were smiling and eager to scroll on. Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  37. Janet Wentworth says

    January 8, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    Just brilliant! A perfect mix of art and words to distill complex thoughts to something simple and memorable. Such a good job of tying a variety of voices and wisdom into one colorful and entertaining infographic. As Joe Large said: ” you are just hitting your stride” . . . keep up the great, profound, practical and fun work you do!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Janet. My plan is to draw more this year!

      Reply
  38. Barbara says

    January 8, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    Thank you for your great work! Always enjoy getting my Henneke fix in my inbox. Not that you need more to do… but I would love to buy a T-shirt that has your drawings on it. So clever.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:12 pm

      That’s an interesting idea! Did you know you can already purchase mugs with my drawings? You can find them here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/mugs-for-writers/

      Reply
  39. JoAnne Hoopes says

    January 8, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    Thoroughly enjoyed this lovely and inspiring article – quotes, steps and art worked in harmony. Tulips got ooohs and aaahs!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:10 pm

      The tulips were an old drawing, but they fitted perfectly in this post. I love tulips 🙂

      I’m glad you enjoyed this one, JoAnne. Thank you for stopping by.

      Reply
  40. Jeanette Tan says

    January 8, 2019 at 4:12 pm

    Hey Henneke, Wow! You have started the year of with a bang. The infographic makes more sense than all of the stuff I have read on this topic. Great summary of the “right habits”.
    Cheers Jeanette

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      Wow, that’s a big compliment! Thank you so much, Jeanette.

      Reply
  41. James Hutto says

    January 8, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    Great message, great art, great quotes.

    You’re just about the only blog I follow on a regular basis these days, and this post is why. You’re the best, Henneke. Keep up the fantastic work.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, James. I appreciate it!

      Reply
  42. Brij says

    January 8, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    What a delightful, useful, treasure of a post!

    And your drawing continues to become richer!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      Thank you for your compliment, Brij. I’ve also noticed that my drawings continue to evolve. This week, it’s five years since I’ve published my very first hand-drawn blog illustration. It feels like an eternity ago!

      Reply
  43. Tom Griffith says

    January 8, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    Hello Henneke… I read your post and all comments — great job done by firing on all cylinders. However, I read the comment by James citing the possible overkill of the art. I don’t necessarily agree with his position, but I noticed you did not reply. I think it would be a benefit to all of us if you defended your position. Thanks and Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:07 pm

      hello Tom, I went out for a walk after publishing this post, so didn’t get to answer all the comments straightaway, but I always answer all comments 🙂 Happy New Year to you, too!

      Reply
  44. Erin says

    January 8, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    Love this so much! And must say, that your emails in my inbox brighten my day. They’re short, creative, and always contain nuggets of wisdom. Well done!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:06 pm

      That is a lovely compliment. Thank you so much, Erin.

      Reply
  45. Dani says

    January 8, 2019 at 3:01 pm

    This is lovely!
    I loved the whole strip, what a wonderful and creative way to write a blog post. Smiled all the way through!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:05 pm

      And it makes me happy that you’ve been smiling all the way through. Thank you!

      Reply
  46. Melody Chadamoyo says

    January 8, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    I love it, thank you. It’s simple, easy to read and digest and very valuable.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:05 pm

      Thank you so much, Melody. I appreciate your compliment 🙂

      Reply
  47. Mark Reynolds says

    January 8, 2019 at 2:13 pm

    Wow Henneke!! That is one awesome infographic. A piece of art in every way. Love it. Such a good way to convey your message. Always nice that modern media has got plenty of room for creativity like yours. Thanks for your thoughts. Time to develop my creativity be habits!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:05 pm

      Yes, it seems kind of weird to be hand-writing text and hand-drawing pictures on real paper in this day and age. But I love the feeling of my colored pencils on the paper. Wishing you a creative year, Mark!

      Reply
      • Mark Reynolds says

        January 8, 2019 at 5:27 pm

        Yes, many of us lose the habit of creativity that we gained when we were children. A time when you could sit with a piece of paper and an array of colouring pens, open your mind and let it wander. Since then, as far as drawing on paper is concerned, my creativity is limited to doodles. Whenever I do them, I often think of Henrietta. “I wonder…if I do a doodle everyday for two years, could they develop into proper drawings and become as good as Henrietta!!” I usually conclude – no. Haha! Confidence hey!

        Reply
        • Henneke says

          January 8, 2019 at 6:28 pm

          I started a drawing course in mid 2013, and published my first drawing on this blog in January 2014. You’ll be amazed how far you’ll get with regular practice. And I haven’t drawn every day! I learned a lot by copying simple drawings.

          Reply
  48. Maria says

    January 8, 2019 at 1:44 pm

    If I could find a frame long enough, I would hang this on the wall in my office. Thank you, Henneke, for always making learning so much fun!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:04 pm

      It is indeed really long!

      I appreciate your lovely comment, Maria. Thank you.

      Reply
  49. Tom says

    January 8, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    that is amazing! Great job henneke!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:03 pm

      Thank you, Tom 🙂

      Reply
  50. Joe large says

    January 8, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Great sketches and great use of color. Along with your solid writing you are really hitting your stride. Thanks for the post. It was inspiring.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      Thank you so much, Joe, for your lovely compliment and your continued support!

      Reply
  51. Olusegun O. says

    January 8, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Thanks, Henneke. Happy new year.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      Happy New Year!

      Reply
  52. Pip Evan-Cook says

    January 8, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    I love this! So simple to consume and easy to understand, thank you!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      I’m thrilled you like it, Pip. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  53. Anita says

    January 8, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Well done Henneke. Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you, Anita. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  54. Rachel Cooper says

    January 8, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    Wow! I love the infodrawing, Henneke. What a perfect way to convey your message today. Happy New Year to you!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Rachel. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  55. James says

    January 8, 2019 at 12:05 pm

    The closest words that comes to mind when I read whatever you write/post are ‘simple brilliance’!
    You help, encourage and entertain all in one fell swoop.

    The cartoon assist is awesome as just that, a smattering in all the right places. But dear lady, I believe this time it may have been a bit over used.
    if you continue the art as adornment, it works.
    Over us it and it’s clutter.

    In this instance, it’s not adding flavor and distinction to what you write, causing clarity and drawing attention to where you intend… it seems to me to draw attention to itself.

    There’s so much of it til there’s no longer the same effect!

    You have so perfected what you do, such an effective communicator. “Simple Brilliance” Henneke!

    I so respect who you are and what you do!

    Simply Enchanting!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      Thank you so much for your feedback and compliment, James. I appreciate it.

      I’m fascinated by the combination of drawings and words, and I’d like the drawings to be more than just adornment because I’ve found that it’s often the drawings that stick into people’s minds. But it’s a journey, and I’m only at the start of my explorations, so I’ll see what I can come up with next!

      Reply
  56. Marian says

    January 8, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    I am 79 years old and have been reading and enjoying your writing for several years. Before I leave this earth I want to do some writing for my only grandchild. Your graphic has spoken to me so perhaps it is not too late for me to try. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 4:57 pm

      Please go for it, Marian. There’s no age limit to writing nor to starting to write. If it’s hard to get started, make the first step as small as possible. Write just one paragraph. Or imagine yourself writing a short letter or even a postcard to your grandchild. Happy writing!

      Reply
    • Mark Reynolds says

      January 8, 2019 at 5:17 pm

      It’s never too late to try Marian. What a lovely thing to do for your grandchild in 2019. I’m sure they would love it. Best wishes Marian.

      Reply
  57. Urs says

    January 8, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    Thanks Henneke for showing up over and over again.
    You are an inspiration for me. And as Seth Godin puts it ‘I would miss you and your work if it would not show up in my inbox.’
    So Thanks for your work and for showing up again and again.
    And: I love your infographic. Keep going.
    All the best for 2019 from Switzerland,
    Urs

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 4:56 pm

      That’s a beautiful compliment, Urs. Thank you so much! Wishing you a creative 2019 🙂

      Reply
  58. Erica cohen says

    January 8, 2019 at 11:43 am

    Great post Henneke!!!! You have written an amazing colourful post I have never read this kind of blog post ever. My new year resolution is to become a writer. What do you suggest me? where should I start my writing journey?

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 11:46 am

      Have you thought about who you want to write for and what you want to write about? If you want to start a blog, you may find this helpful: https://www.copyblogger.com/simple-blog-strategy/

      Reply
  59. Rohan Bhardwaj says

    January 8, 2019 at 11:39 am

    Thank you for this post.

    My hope is to write more this year.

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Happy writing, Rohan!

      Reply
  60. Kitty Kilian says

    January 8, 2019 at 11:36 am

    ‘people who think they have a lot of self-control, rarely exercise their self-control.’ Haha!

    Reply
    • Henneke says

      January 8, 2019 at 11:44 am

      This whole willpower thing might be a myth!

      Reply
      • Kitty Kilian says

        January 8, 2019 at 4:57 pm

        I agree. I, for instance, have no idea why sometimes I do not bite my nails for months and at other times I cannot seem to stop. I don’t want to do it, but how hard do I need to not want it before my willpower sets in?

        Reply
        • Henneke says

          January 8, 2019 at 6:25 pm

          I think it’s impossible to rely on willpower. So, the advice would be to (a) make it difficult to bite your nails and/or (b) find out what triggers your nail biting (stress?) and then replace the nail biting with another activity — so when you notice you notice the stress sensations in your body (or what else triggers it), use a stress ball or do a specific yoga exercise or play some music or whatever else you can do to reduce your stress and not bite your nails.

          Unlearning a habit is difficult. It’s easier to replace it by another habit.

          Reply
          • Kitty Kilian says

            January 9, 2019 at 6:43 am

            I was replying to your remark about willpower being a myth. Possibly. Because I do not care enough about not biting my fingernails. So willpower might be more about wanting something than power. Anyhow. It is a much discussed subject so it would be interesting to demythify it.

            Reply
            • Henneke says

              January 9, 2019 at 10:02 am

              Yes, I agree about busting the willpower myth. The nail biting is just an example. It works the same for other (bad) habits.

              Reply

Footer

Books and courses

Follow proven templates for specific writing tasks, practice your skills, and get professional feedback so you become a confident business writer. Take on any writing project with gusto.
Learn more about books and courses

About Henneke

I never saw myself as a writer, but in my early forties, I learned how to write and discovered the joy of writing. Now, I’d like to empower you to find your voice, share your ideas and inspire your audience.
Learn how I can help you

Popular topics

Sales copywriting

Blog writing for business

Your writing voice

Tips for beginning writers

The writing process

Improve your writing skills

Writing examples

Popular blog posts

Recent blog posts

Free Snackable Writing Course

Get 16 concise emails and learn how to write more persuasive content

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by Kit

Contact | Comment Policy | Privacy Statement | Terms and Conditions | Copyright © 2025 Enchanting Marketing Ltd.