How to Use the 2-Year Test and 10% Edge Framework to Unlock Unlimited Writing Ideas
The Secret to Beating Imposter Syndrome, Self-Doubt, and Procrastination as a Writer
Language has always been difficult for me; it is my Achilles’ heel. I was often ridiculed for my language skills, both in writing and speaking. I failed most of my English tests in school.
In 2022, I enrolled in Write of Passage, a cohort-based online course for writing, to embark on a new online writing journey. My educational background in engineering has made this endeavor challenging, compounded by my past struggles and personal experiences.
Whenever I sit down to write an article, my mind goes blank with anxiety, and I find myself asking these questions:
- I don’t know what to talk about.
- Do I have anything worth sharing with the world?
- Someone with a better skillset has written about the idea I want to write.
- I don’t have the skill set to write in a coherent, brilliant way.
The problems are rooted in fear of failure, and I have researched better ways to overcome these limiting beliefs and prevent writer’s block using the 2-year test and 10% edge framework.
2-year Test Framework
In the Ship 30 for 30 online writing course by Nicholas Cole and Dickie Bush, I learned the concept of using the 2-year test framework to generate ideas. If you have ever solved a problem, answered a question, removed a roadblock, or achieved a result in the past two years, then you are an expert in that area. Sharing your experiences can help others in your position two years ago.
Here are some prompts to help jog your memory:
- What skills do you have today that you didn’t have back then?
- What were you struggling with back then that you no longer struggle with today?
- What hobbies were you starting to get interested in?
- What life transitions did you experience, such as quitting a job, starting a career, being newly wedded, or being a parent?
- What topics were you uneducated about?
- What stories have you experienced?
- What advice would you give to yourself two years ago?
- What have you done, learned, or been exposed to over the past two years?
If you feel you have nothing to write or teach, consider learning a new skill over two years and teaching it later.
For example, a few years ago, I wanted to start a YouTube channel, and I had to learn video editing. I took a course on Lynda.com, which is now LinkedIn Learning, to learn how to use Final Cut Pro editing software. After a few video modules, I gave up because the course instructor was so advanced that I couldn’t keep up with the class.
I gave learning video editing another chance when one of my favourite YouTubers, Ali Abdaal, released a course called “Video Editing with Final Cut Pro X — From Beginner to YouTuber” on Skillshare after over two years of being a YouTuber. The course was simple and more relatable because Ali Abdaal was targeting beginners and was just two years ahead. I was able to master Final Cut Pro software and created three videos for my YouTube channel. He has probably earned over $300,000 from the course since its release date in 2021/2022. This could be you earning loads of money like Ali Abdaal. You are not so different from Ali Abdaal. You need to trust in your abilities.
Again, some useful prompts:
- What do I uniquely already know? Talk about that.
- What do I really want to know? Go learn that and then talk about it. And then just do that for the rest of your life.
Writing for Advanced Experts: Targeting Your Audience Effectively
If you feel you are too advanced in a skillset (an advanced expert) and you cannot water it down for a larger audience, especially someone at the beginning stage, you don’t have to get a large audience. You need to write for a target audience at the same level as you or slightly behind. In this case, other experts find out their problems, questions, and roadblocks and solve them. Even experts still have shortcomings; you just need to figure them out and write to them.
You may struggle to see yourself as an expert, but to someone two years behind, you are an expert. If you are still struggling with the 2-year test framework, let’s explore another powerful approach: the 10% edge framework.
10% Edge Framework
In Amy Porterfield’s book “Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World,” she introduces the 10% edge framework.
If you still think you need to be an expert and are experiencing imposter syndrome, then use the 10% edge. The 10% edge means being just 10% ahead of your student’s knowledge and ability.
As Amy Porterfield said in her book, “Something you think seems ‘too simple’ or is second nature to you might feel completely unattainable to someone else. If you’re just a little bit ahead of your audience and you’ve gotten results for yourself or someone else, you have exactly what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.”
Amy Porterfield’s statement also applies to writers.
For example, I read a book last year about copywriting. Do I feel confident that I can teach what I have learned? Not exactly, but do I have a 10% edge over someone who knows nothing about copywriting? Yes, I definitely do, and that makes me an expert for someone completely new to copywriting.
Embrace Your Experience and Overcome Writing Challenges
You can overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and procrastination by understanding and applying the 2-year test and the 10% edge frameworks.
Embrace your unique experiences and share your knowledge with those who can benefit from it. Remember, your journey can inspire and guide others.
Do the world a favor by teaching your audience and making the world a better place in the process.
Do you want to stay in touch? Join my E- Mail List
