Inspirational thoughts and random writings from the alumni and friends of Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Persistence Rules

By Kathryn Lang


"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence." I grew up with this saying on my wall. The only way I would ever reach the goals I set for my life would be if I continued to do what needed to be done until I got there.

Building a Foundation of Persistence

- Believe it. "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right." Henry Ford. I have to get to the point where the goal that I have for my life is settled deep in my knower.

- Support it. Find people that will believe with you, push you to continue when you want to stop and will carry you when all else fails. The right support can be all the difference.

- Say it. The things you say will be the things you believe. Create "I am" and "I will" statements that will drive you in the direction that you desire.

I set a goal of 6,000 words a few months back and made it - one day. The next day, tornadoes tore through my community and flipped my world upside down. That chaos has been a great excuse for not even attempting my goals, much less reaching them.

The other morning I woke up and realized that I was supposed to be writing. Excuses would always be available, but unless I take the action to make my dreams a reality they will continue to only be dreams.

November is National Novel Writing Month. The challenge to write 1667 words each day provided the motivation to take on my goals once again. Meeting with other writers and writing groups, in person and online, has provided the inspiration to let the words flow.  And making that one statement to my husband, "I am supposed to be writing," reminded me again that the gift and passion I have for words will only get me to my goals if I make the effort to write.

Believe that you are going to reach your goal. Find people that will support and encourage you on your journey. And say the words over and over until you are unable to say anything else.

5 comments:

  1. Awesome blog. Sometimes we just need that reminder. Good luck with Nanowrimo. I will do that one year. Keep us posted!

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  2. Thanks for the encouragement. I have managed to stay ahead of the daily goal by having some big days, so that is always nice. Doing nano has also pushed me to do more in other avenues of my writing, my home, and my life.

    I guess that whole "line up on line and precept upon precept" thing covers a lot of issues that I have to deal with each day, huh?

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  3. Thanks for mentioning NANOWRIMO, Kathryn! And you could'nt have picked a better topic as we celebrate the first anniversary of TGBA tomorrow!

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  4. Hey Gail - it just goes to show that we have been persistent in this blog.

    This is my first year of taking the Nano challenge to heart, and I see it making a big difference in several areas of my writing walk.

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  5. As I read your posts it conjured up lots of thoughts in my mind. The idea you mentioned about saying things that will turn into the things you believe in, I can easily identify with.
    As a kid growing up I recall my mother always saying that if "I say I can do it I will". It took many years in adult life for that phrase to sink in, but finally I think I got it. Now with that phrase in mind, I move forward and am motivated, by God to do great and mighty things.
    Your comments are a reminder that all things are possible if only we believe.

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