ABOUT ME SERIES
Why I Changed the Style of My Writing
A familiar doubt crept into my mind as I sat at my desk, staring at the windows beside my room. “Mazlan, who are you kidding? Do you think anyone cares about what you have to say?” I shook my head, trying to dismiss the negative voice, but it lingered, casting a shadow over my thoughts.
This wasn’t the first time I had faced this inner critic, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.
I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling.
From my early days of reading science fiction novels and DC comics to my recent blogging and public speaking endeavors, I’ve seen how stories can inspire, educate, and transform.
Yet, despite my passion for writing, I often grappled with self-doubt.
I remember vividly the day this all began to change.
It was a rainy afternoon, and I was scrolling through Medium, searching for inspiration.
My eyes landed on an article titled “Once I Stopped Believing This Lie, My Writing Improved 100x.”
Intrigued, I clicked on it, not knowing that the words I was about to read would resonate deeply with me.
The author discussed a common lie many writers believe: “You need to be perfect to be successful.”
As I read those words, I felt a sense of familiarity wash over me.
“Mazlan, isn’t this exactly what you’ve been struggling with?” I thought to myself.
For years, I had been caught in the perfectionism trap, believing every piece of writing had to be flawless before sharing it with the world.
This mindset paralyzed me, preventing me from expressing my true voice and connecting with my audience.
The article explained how this belief in perfectionism was holding writers back.
It encouraged embracing imperfection and viewing writing as a journey rather than a destination.
“Why don’t you try this, Mazlan?” I pondered. “What if you allowed yourself to be vulnerable, to make mistakes, and to grow from them?”
Determined to break free from the chains of perfectionism, I decided to take a leap of faith.
I began writing with a new mindset, focusing on progress rather than perfection. At first, it was challenging.
The inner critic would often rear its head, whispering, “This isn’t good enough. You should start over.” But I persisted, reminding myself that growth comes from pushing through discomfort.
I started sharing my drafts with a small group of trusted friends and colleagues, seeking their feedback and support.
Their responses were encouraging and constructive, helping me see my writing from different perspectives.
“Mazlan, this is a great idea, but maybe you could elaborate more on this point,” one friend suggested. Another added, “I love your storytelling, but try to connect it more with your main argument.”
With each piece of feedback, I felt my confidence grow.
I realized that my fear of imperfection had been unfounded.
People appreciated my authentic voice and the insights I shared, even if they weren’t perfectly polished.
My imperfections made my writing more relatable and human.
One of the most significant breakthroughs came when I wrote an article about my journey in the IoT industry.
I shared my successes, but more importantly, I opened up about my struggles and failures.
“Mazlan, are you sure you want to share this?” I questioned myself. “What if people judge you?” But I pushed through the doubt and published the article.
To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Readers reached out to me, thanking me for my honesty and sharing their own experiences.
“Mazlan, your story resonated with me. I’ve faced similar challenges, and it’s comforting to know I’m not alone,” one reader commented. Another wrote, “Your article inspired me to keep going, even when things get tough.”
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: authenticity and vulnerability are potent tools in writing.
We create deeper connections with our audience when we allow ourselves to be seen as imperfect.
Our stories become more relatable, and our messages resonate more profoundly.
As I continued to embrace this new approach to writing, I noticed a significant improvement in my work.
I felt more liberated, creative, and confident.
The words flowed more easily, and I found joy in the writing process again.
“Mazlan, this is what writing should feel like,” I reminded myself. “It’s about expressing your truth and connecting with others, not about achieving perfection.”
I also began to apply this mindset to other areas of my life.
In my role as the CEO of FAVORIOT, I encouraged my team to embrace imperfection and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
“Let’s focus on progress, not perfection,” I often reminded them during our meetings. “Innovation comes from taking risks, learning from our mistakes, and constantly improving.”
This shift in mindset had a positive ripple effect throughout the organization.
We became more agile, open to experimentation, and willing to take bold steps toward our vision.
Our projects flourished, and we built stronger relationships with our clients and partners.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how crucial it is to challenge the lies we tell ourselves.
The belief in perfectionism had held me back for so long, but I unlocked my true potential once I let go of that lie.
“Mazlan, if you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?” I often ponder. “I would tell him to embrace imperfection, be courageous, and believe in his voice’s power.”
Writing is not just about putting words on a page; it’s about sharing a part of ourselves with the world.
It’s about being vulnerable, authentic, and human.
Allowing ourselves to be imperfect opens the door to growth, creativity, and connection.
So, to all the aspiring writers and storytellers, I offer this advice:
Stop believing the lie that you need to be perfect.
Embrace your imperfections, share your unique voice, and trust that your story matters.
Your journey is valuable, and your experiences can inspire and transform others.
As I continue my writing journey, I carry these lessons with me.
Every word I write and every story I share is an opportunity to connect with others and make a positive impact.
“Mazlan, keep pushing forward. Your voice is needed in this world,” I tell myself. And with each piece I write, I strive to inspire others to believe in their potential and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
My journey of overcoming the lie of perfectionism has been transformative.
It has allowed me to grow as a writer, a leader, and an individual. By embracing imperfection,
I’ve discovered the true power of storytelling and the profound connections it can create.
I encourage you to embark on this journey with me, to let go of the need for perfection, and to embrace the joy of authentic expression.
Together, we can inspire, connect, and make a difference.
This article captures the essence of my journey as Mazlan Abbas, blending personal anecdotes, self-dialogues, and reflections to convey the transformative power of embracing imperfection in writing and beyond.
About Me (Part-2) — Mazlan Abbas
About Me (Part-3) — Mazlan Abbas
About Me (Part-4) — Mazlan Abbas
About Me (Part-5) — Mazlan Abbas
About Me (Part-6) — Mazlan Abbas
About Me (Part-7) — Mazan Abbas
About Me (Part-8) — Mazlan Abbas
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 