I admire people with perseverance and grit, and I must admit these are not some of my strongest qualities. Not because I don’t want them to be. I have many great ideas with good intentions, but when it comes to implementation I get hung up.
For some reason the step between the concept and the reality just seems too big.
And I think the perfectionism I’m constantly battling has something to do with it. I want the implementation of the idea to be perfect. I want it to turn out just right. And because of that I often get stranded. Stuck in a standstill.
And I’m sure some doubt and fear have something to do with it too. After all, who really wants to fail? Not me. And as I fail to implement things, I get discouraged and overwhelmed. I begin to compare myself with others who seem to “have it all together”. Other writers who can crank out amazing posts, who make it look so easy.
It’s no secret that I’m not a writer, I’ve talked about that before. But I want to have the perseverance and grit to write. And so every day, I show up at my computer, and whether I’m inspired or not, whether I’ve run out of things to say or not, I put my “but on chair” and I write, just like Mary DeMuth says to do.
And I’m always clinging to the advice of others beyond me. Others who tell me that what I have to say matters, especially when I don’t feel like I have the time. People who tell me that I should never compare my beginning to someone else’s middle. Mentors who tell me the difference between a good writer and a bad writer is perseverance—that all it takes to be outstanding is courage.
And so even though I struggle, I’m purposing to show up. To persevere with all the grit that is required.
What do you struggle to accomplish?
How have you persevered and had grit in the past?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Grit…
Visiting from Gypsy Mama’s blog.
Although my blog gives me a great outlet and is something I really enjoy, I struggle to put words on the screen too. Sometimes I leave the window up for hours while I work on other things hoping I will find some inspeiration or sentence that will make me want to get it done. Good luck working through it =)
http://www.motherwithoutchild.blogspot.com
Jacque, I am a technical writer, not a creative one. Decidedly left brained, I really struggle to write with beauty. However, when I was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago, I felt a definite call to write about my experience – and not just the medical details, but the soul work God was doing in me. I found that, the more in tune I was with the story HE wanted me to write, the more easily the words came. He often gives me a few sentences of beauty randomly during my day, and I run to the computer to type them out – and then flesh out the post later. I also have notebooks in all my bags and coat pockets to jot down ideas as they come when I am out and about. I sincerely believe that if God has a story for you to tell, He will give you the words. The perseverance to show up at the keyboard and give yourself over to the task is your part in that. Keep writing. It comes!
“I want the implementation of the idea to be perfect. I want it to turn out just right. And because of that I often get stranded. Stuck in a standstill.”
I can so relate!
Thank you for your encouraging words. I think you are right…keep writing, it comes!
{Sigh}…oh how I know!! Hang in there! As a new homeschooler I have been inspired by you. And I daily use those Frixion erasable pens for my lesson plans…I just LOVE them! Your tips are so wonderful. Keep pressing on, friend!
Thank you-and I think I need commission from Pilot!
It is hard to continually find things to write about, but I have found if I am quiet and in prayer and think slowly my blogs do come together. It just takes alot of ‘determination’ and discipline.
Oh…I am not sure I would say you are not a writer…but I so relate…I am very much a non-writer in very prolific blogging world…it can be intimidating…but like you…I just come one post at a time…try to remember all for Him…all to Him…the audience of One…blessings as you keep pressing on in your wonderful writing…
Writing is a great outlet for me, but I often struggle to find the words – not to mention that time to plant myself in my chair. Your words do matter, and your blog is encouraging. Hang in there!
Thank you…
Yes, you are right, determination and discipline!
“All for Him, all to Him, the audience of One.” Thank you for your precious words and friendship.
Yes, that plant-myself-in-my-chair time…such a challenge. Thank you so much for stopping in and for your encouragement. Blessings to you!