I heard a phrase on a talk radio show yesterday that struck me so strongly that I wrote it down on a post office receipt while stopped at a stoplight. The host said something like, “You can get all of the advice and counseling available, but it won’t do any good if you fail to make use of it.”
Boy did this sound familiar. It’s something that I nag SPAWN members about alllll the time. If you fail to read SPAWNews and the SPAWN Market Update; if you neglect to visit some of the resource and article pages at the SPAWN site; if you decide not to participate in SPAWNDiscuss, the SPAWN Catalog of Member’s Books and Services, etc.; if you don’t take advantage of those opportunities and resources we list that relate to your projects, then of course you’re not going to benefit to the degree that you desire from your membership.
The same is true with regard to the conferences you attend, the experts you consult with, the books and articles you read, the webinars you tune into, the newsletters/magazines you subscribe to and the blogs you visit. If your project is stagnating, if your book sales are dismal, if “rejection” is all you hear, these days, maybe it is time to do something different. Sure you may attend educational events, join professional organizations, subscribe to appropriate publications, visit pertinent blogs. But are you listening, participating, reading and adopting into practice those things that could possibly help you to succeed?
Successful authorship, for example, requires your full attention. There’s a LOT to be learned. There’s tons to consider, adopt and adapt. And one thing is for sure; if what you’re doing isn’t working, something needs to change. It is up to you to find out what that is and to make the change.
I often see authors and freelance writers move their businesses forward and none of them do this by staying in their comfy groove. All of them venture out and put into action those things they learn that make sense to their projects. They are proactive. They don’t sit around waiting for someone else to do something for them.
I have a friend who, several years ago, fell into a weird mental state—a sort of depression. She began searching high and low for help. She visited a shaman, various psychologists and therapists, psychics and hands on healers of various kinds. And she told each of them, “I can’t do anything for myself. I refuse to do any sort of processes or exercises. You have to heal me without my help.” It’s true!
My friend is currently in an assisted living care facility in pretty much the same shape as she was when she started seeking help.
Here’s another anecdote: Sometimes I am asked who influenced me the most or helped me the most to get where I am today? The first time I was asked that question, I contemplated it for a long time. The answer actually came to me immediately, but I thought, “That can’t be right. That’s not an appropriate response.” But I realized it was true and I responded, “Me! I am the one who worked hard to learn the ropes, who stuck my neck out, who experimented and who made the commitments and took the steps necessary to building my business. I influenced my ‘success’ by being proactive.”
Recently, I read an interview with another author and he had the guts to say the same thing.
Folks, if you are seeking success as an author or a freelance writer, do the work, take action, be proactive on behalf of your project. Only you can create the success you desire.
While pursuing your success, be sure to check out some of my books and online courses at http://www.matilijapress.com I also do consultations with authors and freelance writers.
Pat,
You hit the nail on the head on this one. Wonderful information that I totally agree with and is a part of my life and coaching practice.
Maybe if we keep spreading the word, it will sink in a little more.
Thank you!
Catherine