Any of us who’ve been at this social networking &
writing gig for awhile understand how pivotal it is to stay in the game. To
keep on keepin’ on. This doesn’t mean we engage in the same ol’, same ol’. (See
point about bringing the new below.) What it does mean is that we’re already
creative folks. It’s worth it to pour some creative energy in how we go about
this business. It’s about more than survival. I’m talkin’ eye of the tiger talk
today.
I’m a fighter. I’m not sure I’ve learned to be this way
because of some rough bumps along the road of life or whether I’ve just been
blessed with a go get ‘em mentality. But when I feel called to something you
betcha I’m going to float like a butterfly, and sting like a bee.
Here are eight ways I put up my dukes to fight off
discouragement and maintain stamina in the publishing industry:
Adopt a Leader
Mindset
I’m not referring to ‘I will lead you and you will follow’
so much on this one, but rather ‘I will lead my thoughts.’ I will choose to
keep a positive, hopeful outlook about the future. I will not let rejection
defeat me. I will move forward one (hear Bob) baby step at a time if need be.
Regularly Assess Who
You Are Writing For
This one should have flashing neon arrows pointing at it.
I’ll never be able to speak to this enough. It matters. Who you write for
matters. And your answer has the potential to motivate you, convict you, or
deflate you. This stamina-builder in the form of a reflective question is
swollen with potential for character growth. Your answer—who you write
for—could chameleon-ize itself based on what’s going on with your career. Truth:
You have the ability to reassign and reassess who holds the reins at any given
moment.
Give Yourself a Break
People with ravenous cravings for Kit Kat bars aren’t the
only ones who need a break. To rejuvenate, recharge, and reprioritize, there
are times it’s imperative to slow down, unplug, live a little, and release.
Develop a Strong Support
Network
Learn from the masters while laughing with your network—discerning
what to let sink in and what to blow off.
Bridge May Ice in
Cold Weather
In other words, keep cool. Don’t burn bridges—with anyone
over anything. Gold baby: If you don’t have anything nice to say, then shut
your pie hole.
Find Your Own Niche
Your voice.
Your schedule.
Your genre.
Your path.
Constantly Look for
Ways to Bring the New
My family recently spent time on an Eastern shore spotted with
jellyfish (also interestingly enough called stinging nettles). As my kids
flopped and hopped around in the waves I stood guard, searching for the
intriguing creatures. Like editors and agents, I had a set focus to locate jellyfish.
We want to be like jellyfish without the sting factor. Our goal is to have
professionals scanning the oftentimes murky waters of this industry,
exhilarated with a rush of excitement when we come floating by. We need to swim
with purposeful intentions, unafraid, while leaving the stingers of
discouragement behind.
All You Need is Love
Love your work.
Love your readers.
Love your gift of creating.
Most of all stay cool! Any
other tried and true methods of keeping your stamina in this industry?
*A few more lyrics for ya: “I’m gonna take this itty bitty
world by storm & I’m just gettin’ warm.”
