Tuesday, November 6, 2012

What’s Holding You Back?

So often, when I tell people I’m a writer, they’ll look at me, sigh and tell me how they want to write . . . if only.

 By now I've heard just about every excuse in the book—and truth be told—used a lot of them myself. 

 The truth of the matter is that everybody has an excuse NOT to follow their dream. We're all busy. We're all dealing with crazy family issues of one type or another. None of us have enough money to make it easy to do it. The list goes on and on.

 But really, the important point is why you SHOULD follow your dream. Life's too short and too precious to waste time doing things we're NOT passionate about. Okay, very few have the luxury of ONLY doing what they're passionate about, but even that is just another excuse.
So I ask you, what’s holding you back from following your dream? Is it time, money, fear? Well the end of the year is just around the corner. So I want to challenge you to put your if only aside and take a chance on your dream.

Here are some practical steps you can take to get started. You’re already partway there—you’re reading this blog!
  1. Join a writers group—it can be online, or one that meets nearby. Don’t know where to find one? Check with your local bookstores and libraries. 
  2. Set some goals—TO WRITE. You can’t be a writer if you don’t sit down and write. The goals can be small, maybe a few hundred words a week. Or set a time goal, spend so many minutes a day writing.
  3. Make a schedule—I can hear the groaning now and I’m right with you. I HATE schedules—they seem almost anti-creative. But a schedule helped me publish 700+ articles last year. It doesn't have to be a minute by minute schedule, just one that lets you know when to work on what.
  4. Enlist a friend—preferably one who writes. But anyone will work. When I start a new endeavor I've found I keep my goals when I build in accountability.
Now it’s your turn—take a chance and put your dream in writing. Make a commitment and share what you want to accomplish in 2013.

 Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
Posted by Edie Melson at 4:00 AM
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6 comments:

  1. JenniferNovember 6, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    Thanks for the early morning "kick in the pants." I needed it. I'm doing NaNo to try and get the next series on paper and everything in the world has happened since I started. But no excuses :)

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  2. SusanNovember 6, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    Great suggestions, Edie, especially about the schedule. When I don't keep a schedule, I can really tell a difference. And writing goals are important too, and another area that needs work! But I'm almost finished writing a Bible study, so hopefully 2013 will include something with that!
    Like the old saying goes,
    If you aim at nothing, you hit it every time!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cathy BakerNovember 6, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    I agree with Jennifer and Susan. Your "kick" arrived just when I needed it the most. I'm currently working on a revised schedule because it truly does make a difference. Thanks, Edie!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Emily WickhamNovember 6, 2012 at 3:57 PM

    Thank you, Edie. I appreciate your thoughts and advice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Vonda SkeltonNovember 6, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    I can't hear this enough...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Patricia BradleyNovember 6, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    I need to make a schedule and stick to it. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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