Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Much Needed Declaration, from One Writer to Another

You are meant to succeed.

Yes, you.

This is your moment, the moment where you learn to believe in yourself.

Your eyes were meant to grace these words, just as I was meant to put them down. What separates this moment from the last is that in this moment, you chose to believe.

Are you doing yourself any favors by heeding your doubts? Would you bother mulling these scant, few words if you did not have an inkling of faith in yourself?

“But how do I break through?” you ask. “How do I begin achieving the level of success I am capable of?”

First, believe.

Second, and most importantly, trust yourself.

Yes, trust! For many this is a slippery word. Life tends to beat us down when we let it; every negative thought and emotion chipping away at our self-image, taking our confidence and dreams with it.

“But how do I learn to trust myself? After all my failures, isn’t it best I not get my hopes up?” you ponder.

Clear the baggage of the past. Instead, arm yourself with the sword of belief, and cool steel of trust. We’ve already determined you a success; why bother arguing?

For the failures of yesterday, yours and mine alike, you are hereby absolved. Leave the shackles by the door. For even if you stray from the path, the experience of the journey holds true, and will help you find your way back. Isn’t experience what is relayed anyways? With the burden lifted, the only thing left is to listen.

Through listening, we act; nothing could be truer for a writer. Instead of wasting your energy on doubt, instead use it to discover what you will say when you cast the final die.

So go ahead and put your thoughts down. What do you have to lose? Get it all out, and keep going. Foster that connection, that inner trust, so that you become a better listener, and learn what it is you’re pouring yourself into. There is always room for scrutiny; learn to use it effectively.

There is no shame in writing about a story before entering it, just as a builder demands a blueprint. Find out what best works for you. Design your discipline in a manner that allows you to achieve goals on a daily basis. In all things, seek balance, so that you continue inspiring thought, and cultivating your yield before sharing the harvest.

Go now, and move forward with confidence, for today you are a success.

13 comments:

  1. Bless you Scott. You're a good person for the inspiration you give us and all you share. I'm sure it will happen for you and I hope for the rest of us if not the big time at least recognition for what we do. You're an asset to the writers group and to all whom you come in contact with. Now every time I take the big sigh of WTF am I trying to do here...lol... I'm gonna come here and read this bit of information you have shared. Thank you and have a great evening and day tomorrow and Write ON!! 8-) ♥

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  2. Scott - after the day I've had, you've touched me deeply and I can't thank you enough. Know you've made a difference *wipes away tears* Thank you for this. I needed it.

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  3. Wow ... that's deep and so true. I'm going to bookmark this page so that when I'm having a bad day, I can re-read it again and again. Thanks Scott.

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  4. Well done, Scott. This is something every author needs to hear every now and again.

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  5. Well said. I hope this goes viral.

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  6. You're fantastic. Girls, me got a wittle bitty crush on the Scottmeister now....

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  7. Thanks Scott for the insperation to move forward and write it down.

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