Photo Credit: Panda Evans/Creative Commons
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…but thank heaven for my trusty, handy-dandy iPhone!)
Wouldn’t our lives, too, 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):
Veering 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 veering 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 veering course (AKA “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 veering direction!
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!)
***
Can you think of a time when you wanted to veer 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?
TWEETABLES
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The choice that’s the hardest, but the one that brings the greatest victory (Click to Tweet)
During our writing careers, there will be times of indecision. Encouragement here: (Click to Tweet)
Photo Credit: Panda Evans/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 12
“God’s timetable for success never expires.” Amen!
I’ve definitely had times when I’ve considered veering course–for sure. My prayer always tends to be the same in those seasons. “God, if you still want me going this direction, then please show me the open doors. Like…super clearly. If I’m supposed to change course, then close all the wrong doors and open all the right ones.” And you know what, He has always been faithful to do exactly that. Oh sure, sometimes I have to wait. And I figure in those times, it’s best to just keep plugging away until he does slam a door closed…but at the end of the day, He’s always faithful to guide the way. I love that about him!
Author
Melissa, I always think of the apostle Paul when I think about “staying the course.” When I’ve tried things that don’t work or when I’m feeling heavy-hearted, I always pray that God will give me fresh insight regarding His will. Sometimes, we may be too quick to veer direction rather than implementing new strategies that might work because change is a bit scary. I’m with you–I’m so thankful God is faithful!
This post borders on brilliance … no, it is absolute brilliance. Cynthia, there is so much truth tucked into the nooks and crannies of this blog post it’s going to take me a while to unpack them all.
Thanks, my friend.
Author
Beth, thanks so much for your kind words. You humble me!
You know, it’s amazing to me how often God perks me up just at the moment when I feel defeated. The most amazing things that have happened in my writing career so far are things that I didn’t go looking for. God has surprised me over and over again…so you never know what’s just around the corner.
Author
Lindsay, how would we do it without Him? I love how our God is an “on time” God! So blessed we’re on this journey together…
Thank you for being such an encouragement to me. Lately, I feel myself losing steam. But I know I want to stick with it even if it is not glamorous or fun sometimes. I want God to use me and be open, even if the answers are not always immediate.
Author
Lisa, YOU are an encouragement to me, as well! I sooo understand the “losing steam” part. There were times at different life-points I wondered if I might give up. Intrinsically, I felt that I never would, but when life happens it’s knock-us-to-our-knees draining. As I’ve matured, I’m of the mindset: what have I got to lose? Nothing–if I hang in there. Everything–if I throw in the towel.
My journey’s been tough, but trust me–if I can still trudge (hobble) the path–you can, too. And YOU WILL. (((Big hugs)))
Setting a goal sounds easy, and the setting part is–getting there is a different story. To answer your question, I think it is implied to be easier than it is.
Author
Patty, absolutely! Oh, to have those rose-colored glasses again that I did in my 20’s! =) But wow! (I’ve grown so much since then!)
Happy writing, friend!
I really enjoyed and needed to hear this one tonight! It’s so easy to feel like your work is going nowhere, and it’s great to be reminded that baby steps are still steps! Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Author
Brittany, just remember the enemy would like nothing better than for us to throw in the towel. As a master manipulator, he wants us to think we’re failing just because our progress may be a bit slower than what we’d anticipated.
The truth is–it can take years to “hit our groove” as writers. *groan* Knowing that, we forge ahead, improving in our craft and committing to what God’s called us to do–write.
Without the “baby steps” first, we’d never learn to stand on our own. You’re doing awesome!