by Crystal Bowman
"Just Do It" is one of the most iconic and effective advertising taglines of all time. These three simple words—the slogan for Nike athletic shoes—embody the essence of motivation, ambition, and perseverance. It encourages sideliners to get off the bench and into the game. The slogan was introduced in 1988 and propelled Nike from a footwear contender to a global sports company with universal recognition.
How JUST DO IT Applies to Writers as Well as Athletes:
MOTIVATION
Motivation is the driving force behind our actions and goal-oriented behaviors. What motivates you to write? Is it something you have always wanted to do, or has a recent experience motivated you to share your story? Have teachers, friends, or other writers told you that you should write for publication because they enjoy reading your words? Maybe you have attended a writers’ conference where you were energized by surrounding yourself with other writers. Or perhaps you have been writing for a while and those opportunities have propelled you to keep going and write more.
Whatever motivates you to write—Just Do It!
AMBITION
Ambition is a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. The writing and publishing process is not for wimps. It takes years of learning, training, and lots of practice, just like anything else that is worth pursuing. If you believe God has given you the ability and desire to write, then you need a “go for it” mentality to go after what that desire.
Do you have the desire to write? Just Do It!
PERSEVERANCE
Perseverance is a continuous effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition—and writers face plenty of that! As you submit your work to publishers you may face roadblocks and “no thank yous.” As your published articles, stories, blogs, or devotions reach readers, you may face criticism and negative reviews. But you may also receive contracts, positive reviews, and awards if you persevere.
The average author spends years trying to get a contract, and if they do, it can take another 1-2 years (or longer) for the book to be published. The average author sells about 250 copies of their book the first year. The New York Times bestselling books are few and far between and often written by celebrities.
BOTTOM LINE
If you have motivation, ambition, and perseverance, then don’t let anything stand in the way of your dreams. You know the saying: If it were easy everyone would do it.
So, writers—Just Do It!
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