Dispositions
They say that you need to read a lot if you want to be a writer. Similarly, they say that you need to watch a lot of movies if you want to be a director. I disagree on multiple levels. Firstly, if you don’t already like to read, you’re probably not going to develop the habit now. Secondly, if you read too much, you’ll write less.
The whole point of writing is to express yourself. It’s an exercise in boldly claiming that what you have on your mind is interesting. You should be in the habit of reading every day, yes, but who isn’t these days? Our society is literate. We wake up every morning to check our phones.
Reading gives you a template to build upon as a writer, but reading is just one of many things that can stimulate your brain cells in order to produce things. A brain in a vat with no sensory input isn’t going to produce any writing, but a brain too caught up in the business of living isn’t going to produce it either. Rather, it’s necessary to have a balance.
I believe in destiny, but not in a supernatural sort of way. What I believe is that most people are predisposed for certain things. Self-development isn’t about changing what you’re predisposed for, but about figuring out what you have a natural knack for and developing that.