Even if writing comes easily (meaning our writing time renews and re-energizes us, is possibly our preferred way of interacting with others) it is not an easy thing to do. Especially if you’re writing with the goal of publication.
“I knew there was no limit to how hard I’d work to keep winning.” -Arnold Palmer, after winning his first Masters.
I pulled this quote from the special the network did to honor the legendary golfer before the Masters golf tournament a couple years ago. For me, the key inspirational piece in this quote isn’t ‘no limit‘ it’s ‘how hard I’d work‘.
As I listened to the interview that centered on his first Masters win and subsequent success, I’d expected Palmer to say something along the lines of “I knew there were no limits.” Period. Inspiration acknowledged and delivered.
I expected him to discuss limitless thinking leading to boundless success and instead, he gave more. He gave wisdom and insight rooted in his typcial, well-grounded philosophy. He wasn’t willing to sit back and let the wins come, he went after them with diligent, consistent effort and bold play.
Everyone, writers included, can benefit from that kind of outlook. We must know where our strengths are and then be willing to work -and work hard- to offset or overcome our weaknesses. Then it’s a matter of continuing to press forward -boldly- toward the goals we’ve set for ourselves.
Successfully completing a manuscript or project gives us a natural high. As nice as that feeling is, we can’t rest there, hoping it will magically strike again. We must sit back down, put our hands on the keyboard and keep working to improve our craft and ourselves to get back to that pinnacle and embrace that top of the world, winning feeling!
Live the writing adventure!
18Jul2018
