Change Direction or Stay the Course? Here’s Your Answer.

Never. Eat. Soggy. Wheat.

Teachers and directionally challenged folks know what that one means. Can you guess?

If you whip out your cell phone, compass, or other navigational device, you’ll see the earth’s reference points: North, South, East, and West. Or in school, some students might learn their directions the good, ol’ fashioned way—by coloring the handout with the pretty globe and appropriately designated points—and thus the Never Eat Soggy Wheat analogy. “North” is at the top, “East” to the right, “South” at the bottom, and “West” to the left.

And of course, as a youngster I learned some other helpful hints:

• If you’re driving into the setting sun, you’re heading west. (Or thereabouts.)
• If the sun’s behind you, you’re facing east. (Again, thereabouts.)

I had trouble with directions until I was older. (And sometimes I still do. Where would we be without our handy, dandy cell phones?)

Wouldn’t our lives be less complicated if we could simply rely on technology? Something to tell us when to go. When to pause. When to stop. Or when to change course entirely?

Ahhh. If only…

During our writing careers, there will be days of complete indecision.

Am I making headway?

Do I turn here?

Backtrack there?

Better yet, should I just quit?

I know in my own life, I’ve faced those tough questions many (hundreds of) times. For those writers who tell you they haven’t—well—to put it politely—they’re fibbing. Writers always face times of uncertainty. In fact, some spend days, weeks, or even years treading water—stymied by waves of inferiority, self-comparisons, or unrealistic expectations.

I wish I had some magic formula for newer writers. Something that would make the process more palatable and less tumultuous.

But here’s the truth (and one I’m still grasping, as well):

Changing direction is the easy answer. Staying the course is the harder choice, but the one that often brings the greatest victory!

Now, that’s not to say we shouldn’t use good judgment. Naturally, if what we’re doing isn’t working, it’s only wise to reassess our options and implement new strategies. That’s smart. And it’s key to future success.

However, if the only reason we’re thinking about changing direction is because we’re tired, lazy, or scared, that’s silly. (Remember the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz? He wanted to back down time and time again. It wasn’t until the end of the movie that he realized he had what it took all along to pass muster. He just needed to believe it!)

Other reasons for changing course or throwing in the towel might crop up. They may seem valid, but most likely they are darts from the enemy to throw us off track.

Deterrents might include:

• Death of a loved one. (Been there.)
• Life-threatening illness of a child. (Been there.)
• Downsizing of a spouse. (Been there.)
• Reviving a decades-old career. (Been there.)
• Becoming a mom—again—(Still there!)

See what I mean? There will always be things. Stuff that upends us, taunts us, and chides Quit! Quit! Quit!

Don’t listen, folks!

Whether you’re a writer, a baker, or a candlestick-maker—dig in your heels, hold up your head, cry if you must, but determine: I’m gonna do this! It may hurt. It may take everything I have. But… I’m going to go for broke!

If that still doesn’t motivate you, consider this: If you veer direction now, you’ll never know what might have been.

God has a plan, but He gives us free will. We choose.

So, how do you know when to stay the course?

ANSWER: When your gut is tangled in knots at the thought of changing direction! When you realize it’s not in your best interest to quit. When you’re afraid. When it doesn’t seem rational. When, deep down in your gut, you know it’s a God thing.

It’s not always simple to “hang in there.” Neither is it fun, glamorous, or popular at times.

BUT…

It can be done.

You will stay the course because:

• You have a vision, a mission, and a destiny. (Challenging, yes. Impossible? No!)
• You’ve made strides. (Yes, baby steps count.)
• You realize time is relative. (God’s timetable for success never expires!)

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MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

Writer Courageous

7 Reasons to Love What You Do

Don’t Be Daunted by Dream-Crushers

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The choice that’s the hardest, but the one that brings the greatest victory.

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Can you think of a time when you wanted to change direction,

but chose to stay the course?

Do you think we’re led to believe that attaining our goals should be easy?

How might we encourage others who want to give up?

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Blessings Always,