Professional writers inevitably find themselves in social situations with non-writers, when the topic of discussion turns to careers and someone innocently asks the group: “What do you really want to be doing?”
It’s a conversation-starter that the well-intentioned party guest thinks will be a fun question to prompt people to share their passions and dreams. The careers they’d like to have — if only …
I reply bluntly. I can’t help myself.
“What I currently do.”
Such a buzzkill.
The misery-loves-company train does not want to bond with the person who’s actually happy with what they’re doing with their life.
I knew I wanted to be a writer before I was aware I wanted to be a professional writer.
It was the first activity I was drawn to and, all these years later, it’s still my first priority.
But most people write in some capacity, and for many, being a professional writer seems like a made-up job. A career that happens magically. Or by accident.
A one-in-a-million scenario where a piece of your writing happens to gain popularity. You know, desperate aspirations of “going viral.”
When, in fact, the exact opposite is true.
There’s no sorcery. No coincidence or random luck. No inspirational quotes for writers that hold up in practice.
For professional writers, every choice needs to be painstakingly intentional.
Professional writers don’t treasure creative ideas
It’s part of our nature to create. We want to build. We want to innovate. It’s fun and it makes us feel alive. We’re creators.
That doesn’t mean we actually meet our goals.
Because we talk. We’re also talkers. And often, the more we talk, the less we accomplish.
Not always, but when someone is preoccupied with talking about a great creative idea, they tend to neglect nurturing, developing, and executing the idea over time.
That’s why creative concepts, alone, bore me.
Show me the strategy and storyselling.
Strategy activates creativity
Disciplined Creativity gives your content ideas the care and conditions they need to mature.
Time to be frenetic.
Time to be focused.
Space to take action.
Space to take a break.
Balance leads to progress.
When professional writers are consumed with their work, they swiftly recognize what causes mental blocks. You need the discipline to finish a writing assignment on time and the confidence to swiftly start brainstorming your next blog post ideas with the same high level of creative energy.