Finding Balance: The Three Personalities of Every Online Writer
Written on
Understanding the Three Personalities
Every online writer grapples with three distinct personas: the Entrepreneur, the Manager, and the Technician. This framework, introduced by Michael E. Gerber in "The E-Myth Revisited," provides clarity for those making the transition from hobbyist to professional. Had I adopted this perspective earlier, I could have avoided a great deal of frustration.
Recognizing these roles can help identify inefficiencies in your approach. If writing is merely a pastime for you, continue your current practice. However, if you aim to generate income from your craft, you must embrace your identity as an Entrepreneur.
The Entrepreneur: The Visionary
This persona represents the driving force behind your writing endeavors. The Entrepreneur is the dreamer, pondering future possibilities with thoughts like, "What if I create a business that..." and "If I achieve this, then when can I expect results?"
For writers, this role is crucial in expanding the reach of our content and devising a sustainable business strategy. The Entrepreneur evaluates monetization options, potential partnerships, and defines our brand identity. She envisions the bigger picture, such as setting ambitious goals like producing 1,000 articles by a specific date.
The Manager: The Organizer
The Manager serves as the stabilizing force, preventing chaos from overwhelming us. His language revolves around time management, key performance indicators (KPIs), and structured systems. He takes the Entrepreneur's whirlwind of ideas and transforms them into actionable plans that yield timely results.
This role involves scheduling content creation and ensuring that personal activities like meditation or exercise don’t interfere with writing commitments. The Manager meticulously tracks deadlines, metrics, and goals, optimizing every aspect of our lives to enhance productivity.
The Technician: The Craftsperson
The Technician is the hands-on creator, the individual who transforms ideas into tangible work. He often believes that overthinking hinders progress, declaring, "I prefer to just do it myself."
However, this mindset can lead to challenges. Many aspiring entrepreneurs fail because they are overly reliant on their skills without recognizing the broader demands of running a business. The Technician's singular focus on writing, coding, or designing can become a double-edged sword, leading to burnout if not managed properly.
Superpowers and Weaknesses
According to Gerber, the typical entrepreneur is composed of 10% Entrepreneur, 20% Manager, and 70% Technician. Without the Entrepreneur's vision, meaningful growth becomes unattainable. Though the Entrepreneur can generate a flood of ideas, it can overwhelm the Manager, causing unnecessary stress.
The Manager’s strength lies in alleviating burdens for the Technician by creating efficient workflows. This includes prepping meals for the week, maintaining organization through calendars, and conducting regular reviews to refine strategies.
Yet, the Manager can overstep by mistaking his role for the Technician's, focusing too much on quantity over quality. His aspirations for efficiency may lead him to rely excessively on technology, even fantasizing about a future where AI could replace the Technician.
The Technician thrives on mastery, finding joy in honing his craft. This dedication is what makes him indispensable. However, he often faces interruptions from the Entrepreneur's untested ideas and the Manager's new protocols. Distractions from social media and other obligations can also hinder his productivity.
Achieving Balance
I found myself identifying as 60% Entrepreneur, 30% Manager, and just 10% Technician. During a recent review of my goals, I realized I was overwhelmed by my ambitious ideas, leading to frustration. It became clear: I needed to prioritize my Technician and minimize the influence of my Entrepreneur.
To achieve harmony among these personas, one must acknowledge and respect their unique contributions. Early in your journey, your Technician’s skills are paramount. Avoid overwhelming him with multitasking or unrealistic expectations.
As you gain momentum, it becomes increasingly beneficial to embrace the Manager's role. Implementing structured organization to your efforts can yield greater results than trying to impose order on disorganized tasks.
After establishing a productive workflow, tangible results will emerge, fostering a sense of professionalism. This is when the Entrepreneur’s vision becomes essential, guiding your direction and aspirations.
For now, I am stepping back from my Entrepreneurial ambitions and allowing my Manager to cultivate an environment where my Technician can refine his craft. I trust that my Entrepreneur will naturally reclaim his position as I progress toward my writing goals.
Chapter 1: The Entrepreneur's Role
Discover effective strategies to find harmony within your writing process.
Chapter 2: The Manager's Importance
Learn how to structure your writing efforts for optimal productivity.