Talent, Passion and Discipline

I was just thinking…

For those of you who are indie/self-published authors, do you find that you’re often approached by people who say – “Congratulations on your book. I’m writing a book, are you able to give me some suggestions on getting it published?” OR “I see that you’ve written a book. I’ve been working on a book for the past few years and I’m planning to finish it, but in the meantime, are you able to give me some suggestions on getting it published?” OR “I have some ideas for a book. I might contact you in the near future to find out how to get it published.” OR “What’s all involved in writing a book? I’m thinking about writing one soon.”

Lately, I have been receiving many questions similar to these (I’m talking at least once per week), and it started me to thinking…not everyone can write AND get a book published (in my opinion). I say that because it’s soooo much more than just having a desire to write a book, having a story idea, or even a writing talent or gift. I’m here to tell you – it’s an obscene amount of work, commitment and discipline involved in going from having a book idea to having a published work! I’m talking stress, headaches, anger and crazy amounts of sleepless nights (because sometimes you can’t stop the voices in your head).  Can I get an amen?

At any rate, this whole thought process reminded me of a blog post I did a few months ago (9/20/12), so I figured I’d repost it since it’s a reminder that we all can use from time to time.

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Do you ever wonder why when some people put their minds to do things they not only accomplish it, but they soar like eagles? Or why, with some, it seems as if everything they touch turns to gold (Oprah, Jay Z, Donald Trump, etc)?  Well it might have something to do with talent, passion and discipline…but specifically discipline.

A friend of mine introduced me to Elizabeth George’s book, “Write Away,” where she states, “You will be published if you possess three qualities – talent, passion and discipline.” She goes on to say that you’ll “probably” be published if you possess the combination: talent & discipline or passion & discipline; and you’ll “likely” be published if you possess discipline.

Do you see a pattern? Like me, you probably noticed that the common denominator is – discipline.

I was having my morning cup of tea and started thinking…we can use Ms. George’s example in every aspect of our lives, whether it’s starting our own business or keeping the house clean. It’s all about having discipline – self-discipline to be more exact. We all know people (or are those people) who have a list of goals, a bucket list, or even a dream that they want to see come to fruition, but many are slow to put forth the effort needed to accomplish a goal or a dream. They find everything to do or work on, but that. Or they give up too quick, claiming there aren’t enough hours in a day, or someone did them wrong, or this happened or that happened. I could go on and on, but the fact of the matter is – if you lack self-discipline, you are not going to accomplish your goals! Those individuals mentioned above, accomplish as much as they do because they possess self-discipline. Okay, I’ll admit, they probably have a few other major qualities…and a good support team, but you get what I’m saying.

I can’t help but think about something else Elizabeth George said in her book – “do what needs to be done first and then play later.” Sometimes this might mean delaying gratification, but I guess you have to decide – how important is that goal you’re trying to accomplish or that dream you want fulfilled?

So…how’s your self-discipline level these days?

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Don’t Give Up

You know, every now and then while I’m having my morning cup of tea and either meditating or doing my morning devotion, interesting notions pop into my head. Sometimes I share them, most times I don’t. But today the thought was – don’t give up.

At first I wasn’t sure what prompted the thought since I’m feeling so blessed these days and the idea of giving up hasn’t been a part of my thought process (and rarely is) in as long as I can remember. So then I figured, maybe the topic/idea wasn’t meant for me per say, but maybe for someone else. We often go through experiences and wonder – what am I supposed to learn from this? Or why is this happening to me? I’m a true believer that some of our experiences are not only meant for our growth, but are also meant to help or encourage someone else.

So I decided to post my thoughts on this subject in hopes of encouraging others. We’re coming up on the end of 2012 and I’m sure many have set goals (or resolutions) for themselves this year, or have tried hard to scratch a few things off of their bucket list, only to feel that what they desire will never come to be. I’m here to tell you – don’t give up. Granted you might be at a place in your life where you’re thinking, this is too hard, why bother or I quit. It’s my opinion that when you get to this point – it’s time to fight even harder for what you want or what you’re looking to accomplish. What if you’re on the brink of having your goal/desire become a reality? What if you give up, stop believing, or close a door too soon?

This might be your time – if only you will hang in there just a little while longer. For all of you Believers out there – this bible verse popped into my head – “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while…” Hebrews 10:35.

I’m here to tell you (from experience) that it doesn’t matter how hard things seem, or how frustrating the struggle, or even how painful the setbacks, the main thing is –  don’t give up. Hang in there. Your day, time, and the manifestation of your dream is coming!

Live As God Intended – Again

I ran across these wonderful reminders the other day and felt compelled to share them with you – again. Here are ten scriptural principles to help you live as God intended.

1. Guard your tongue. Always say less than you think and others will respect you.
2. Make promises sparingly, keep them faithfully and people will trust you.
3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind word, and someday you will look back with joy and not regret.
4. Be genuinely interested in others; show it by listening attentively and expressing your appreciation.
5. Be cheerful. Don’t dwell on your aches and pains; everybody has trouble. There are people in hospitals who’d gladly trade places with you.
6. Keep an open mind and try to get all the facts. Discuss, but don’t argue. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Give other people the benefit of the doubt.
7. Discourage gossip, it’s destructive.
8. Be sensitive to the feeling of others. If you do, people will consider you to be wise.
9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Live so that nobody will believe them.
10. Don’t worry about getting the credit, just keep giving your best and be patient. God records and God rewards!

Source: The Word for You Today – www.rumc.com

Your Discipline Level

Do you ever wonder why when some people put their minds to do things they not only accomplish it, but they soar like eagles? Or why, with some, it seems as if everything they touch turns to gold (Oprah, Jay Z, Donald Trump, etc)?  Well it might have something to do with talent, passion and discipline…but specifically discipline.

A friend of mine introduced me to Elizabeth George’s book, “Write Away,” where she states, “You will be published if you possess three qualities – talent, passion and discipline.” She goes on to say that you’ll “probably” be published if you possess the combination: talent & discipline or passion & discipline; and you’ll “likely” be published if you possess discipline.

Do you see a pattern? Like me, you probably noticed that the common denominator is – discipline.

I was having my morning cup of tea and started thinking…we can use Ms. George’s example in every aspect of our lives, whether it’s starting our own business or keeping the house clean. It’s all about having discipline – self-discipline to be more exact. We all know people (or are those people) who have a list of goals, a bucket list, or even a dream that they want to see come to fruition, but many are slow to put forth the effort needed to accomplish a goal or a dream. They find everything to do or work on, but that. Or they give up too quick, claiming there aren’t enough hours in a day, or someone did them wrong, or this happened or that happened. I could go on and on, but the fact of the matter is – if you lack self-discipline, you are not going to accomplish your goals! Those individuals mentioned above, accomplish as much as they do because they possess self-discipline. Okay, I’ll admit, they probably have a few other major qualities…and a good support team, but you get what I’m saying.

I can’t help but think about something else Elizabeth George said in her book – “do what needs to be done first and then play later.” Sometimes this might mean delaying gratification, but I guess you have to decide – how important is that goal you’re trying to accomplish or that dream you want fulfilled?

So…how’s your self-discipline level these days?

Hold On!

The other day Yolanda Adam’s song “Hold On” came on the radio. Interesting enough, I hadn’t heard it before (I’m more of a reader than a listener…of the radio that is), but I could really relate to the words: “No matter how hard it seems, never give up, always believe.”

I grew up in an entrepreneurial household, so thinking positive and setting goals were taught right along with believing in the Bible. Failing has never been an option, and that fact has served me well over the years.

So this week as I go back over my short-term goals, and do a little tweaking, I’ll have Ms. Adams’ song in the back of my mind – especially the part about “your dreams are meant for you to obtain and your labor is not in vain.”

What song, poem, comic strip, or inspirational message do you pull out when you’re re-evaluating your life or like me, tweaking your goals?