There's a course in progress over at ACFW that is being taught by multi-published author, Janice Thompson. The subject is supplementing your fiction habit with income. The course is only just beginning but Janice had us answer twenty questions regarding our writing journey so far and our goals for the future. These questions were awesome because they forced me to really take a look at myself and my writing habits, and in what direction I believe God is leading me. One of the questions really slammed me. It was:
What circumstances (and/or excuses) have kept you from fulfilling your writing goals thus far?
In other words, what big BUT is in your way?
We all have them, don't we? Excuses why we haven't had time to finish that novel or submit that article. Reasons why we're not yet published or haven't fulfilled the dream that's burning a hole in our hearts.
While not having an ounce of talent may quality as an excuse, for those of us who know we have the gift of writing, is there really any excuse to keep us from setting out to do what we know God has called us to?
Have you finaled in writing contests? Have you had work published in the past? Have you had reputable industry professionals who were impressed with your writing or who offered encouragement and support? Have people (other than your mother, spouse, or best friend) raved about your "way with words" or your knack for story-telling?
Then guess what? You have no excuse. Get rid of that big BUT.
Whether your "buts" are about finding time to write, landing an agent, getting published, submitting that article, joining a critique group, or entering that contest, I can tell you one thing for sure: making excuses is a guarantee for failure. Ok, so just getting up and doing it may not bring you the results you expect or hope for. It may not make you an overnight success. But it will bring you one step closer to realizing your dream. The dream you know that you know that you know God has put in your heart. And it will also give you the satisfaction of knowing you gave it your best instead of hid behind a curtain of pathetic excuses.
As George Washington Carver said, "Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses."
So are you going to be included in that ninety-nine percent? Or will you be a part of that one percent that stops making excuses and just does it?
Who's with me in getting rid of their big BUT in 2010?
9 comments:
Excuses! Excuses! Great post, Lynda! I've set some pretty aggressive goals that I plan to keep this year. One step at a time! Thanks for the encouraging words. Time to move away from that big 'but.'
Thanks for the kick in the BUT. :)
Excellent advice. I'll try to put it into action!
I know that I know that I know...
Thanks for your very motivating post, Lynda! It's a great pep talk for beginning a new year.
Lynda:
I, also, say thanks for the boost.
My biggest but went away when the holidays did--and was replaced by a bigger "butt" thanks to Christmas candy!
I'm working daily again, part of my NY's resolutions. So far, so good (she says, just seven days into the year).
I'm with you! Thanks for the encouragement. It's nice to know we share some challenges and can support one another:)
Hey, how come you can see my big "but" from way over there??? Great words of encouragement and assistance to us all. Now to go work away on that but...
Thanks for the swift kick in my big "BUT." No more buts... onward and upward. Forward.... march... Hup, two, three, four...
This was a great post, Lynda... encouraging words I have to keep before me...
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