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Writing: It Takes More Than Passion

“PASSION for our stories can ONLY carry us so far. SELF-DISCIPLINE …takes us the rest of the way.” – Jody Hedlund

It’s that word. That character trait, when embraced bears fruit: Self-discipline.

In most areas of my life, I would say this virtue is evident. Others see it, they make affirming remarks. I thrive and feel great with structure and routine. My days are planned. I wake up at 5:00am – I work out, I get my “soul food” through spending time with God and reading the Word. I coach. I teach. I parent. I relationship. I don’t struggle with getting things done — when things are easy and I enjoy them…

…and feel equipped and comfortable.

Writing is not one of those easy things for me. You see, I just recently became a writer. For over 30 years of my life I thought I was something else. I pursed what I thought I was day-in-and-day-out. But then, God showed me who I was. He revealed to me a gift He wanted to develop in me.

I balked.

I struggled, like a child being reared by a parent, writing the book God planted in my heart. For months I forced myself to write. For months I resisted and begged God to “take this cup from me.” But He didn’t. I clung to His promises, I looked for Him everywhere for affirmation and validation.

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

He was faithful. Through that painful time, He refined me. I’ve been blessed to see fruit from that work. I’m in AWE by how He is using the book and how lives are being changed through the words He wrote through me.

I’m steps closer to self-discipline with writing, but still – it’s a challenge for me. I continue to persevere with persistence and practice as I stumble on the path to develop this discipline of self, for writing.  Here’s what I’ve been focusing on:

  • Willingness — deciding and committing. Choosing to embrace the new, the unfamiliar, the uncomfortable.
  • Getting to know who. I. am. — I am a writer. Awareness is crucial. Asking myself: What are my needs, my strengths, my weaknesses? What areas in my life need discipline? What prevents me from doing what I need to do?
  • Courage to keep on persevering through the difficult times. Mastering any task is true power, but it will not be easy. Developing new habits, breaking old ones, discovering truth — these things take intentional consistent action and I must press through.
  • Accountability and Encouragement – from ME. Yes, that’s right self-accountability through a firm commitment and self-encouragment through positive thinking is vital. {Self-talk and goals}
  • God — {Last but certainly not least, and MOST important} He is my strength and walks with me as I continue to seek His will and purpose for my life.

It takes more than passion, I know that first hand.  Without discipline, passion fades.

Questions to consider for commenting below:
  • Where are you on the self-discipline-writing-journey?
  • As a newer member to the “writing world” — I am a student eager to learn – would you share with me?
  • What works for you, what doesn’t? 
  • What are your stumbling blocks?
  • Do you have any tips to share?
    [stextbox id=”info”]This was a guest post by Teri Johnson. Teri is an author, speaker, and sought-after personal growth expert. She enjoys running and taking pictures. Great conversations while sipping coffee and soaking up as many sunsets as she can, make her tick. She’s passionate about helping others; an encourager and a cheerleader to many. Teri lives a joy-filled life deeply devoted to her husband, her two boys, and her relationship with God.
    Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Author Website | Pinterest | YouTube[/stextbox]

Comments

  1. says

    Teri, you have such a wonderful writing style. Warm and refreshing, and vulnerable, too. Of your points, this one resonated with me the most:

    Accountability and Encouragement – from ME. 

    Sometimes I’m gung-ho! (is that a word?) about writing, while other days I have no desire to write anything. Not one single word! 

    I have been thinking more and more about getting a writing system flowing for myself, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Your article is pushing me toward that decision, so thanks for that!

    • Teri Johnson says

      Thank YOU for your kind words Charles. Yes, I’m realizing on this journey that I need to be my BIGGEST cheerleader! I cannot rely on anyone to push me like I can myself…our belief goes a long way…others can encourage but we must self-motivate which produces the self-discipline. =)

      Happy writing!

      • says

        Hey, question (or two) for you….

        1) Do you have a daily writing goal, such as a # of words you want to write per day, or a time requirement per day, such as 1 hour?

        2) Are you (or have you ever) in a writing accountability group? I’m thinking about getting a group of writers together for daily writing accountability, but wondering if and how it could work.

        • says

          Right now the answer is NO to both of those questions!  I too have been thinking about them — I actually have been thinking about planning a 2x-per-year “retreat” with some other writers to hammer some stuff OUT!  I know it’s an excuse to say, “I wish there was an extra hour in the day.” BUT, I could use one to write.  One of my biggest obstacles right now is summer…It’s full of distractions.  I hope to implement those things you asked me above once my nuggets get back to school.  I would be interested in an accountability group and would collaborate with you on trying to put one together. =)

  2. says

    I think you hit the nail on the head. I’m all about following your passion and dreams and I truly believe God instills those in us for a reason. BUT, it’s not enough. We may have those at our core but we have to remember to follow His lead if for no other reason than the fact that we do not know it all. THanks for sharing!

    • says

      RIGHT…we do NOT know it all. {even when we think we have it all figured out!}  Each day I am reminded of this as God “WOWs” me and shows up in unexpected ways.  Thank you Jared for leaving a comment. =)

  3. says

    Great post, my friend. You know I am right there with you when it comes to God making a writer out of this sanguine personality! Mir.a.cle!  Together we can be accountable and obedient! Thanks for sharing honestly and vulnerably.  I am learning alongside of you! 

    • says

      It’s SO comforting to know we are not alone, right? lol   With HIM all things are possible!  I’m loving His plans for me, even though I stumble everyday on this path to becoming…  Thank you for the encouragement and for sharing your comment.

  4. Dawn Aldrich says

    Wow Teri! I’m right (write) there with you on this journey. I’d be more comfortable laying down this writing thing, but God keeps urging me forward. It’s daunting at times when I try to accomplish things in myh own power through my weaknesses. But when I relinquish control and give it back to God who is the source and strength of everything, He accomplishes great things!

    Pressing forward with you,
    Dawn

    • Teri Johnson says

      Wow…thank you Dawn for sharing with me! I like how you put it “…I’d be more comfortable laying down this writing thing…” — me too…me too. But, that’s not the answer I choose, the grace has not lifted so I keep putting one foot in front of the other. Be encouraged…let’s keep our focus on our audience of ONE! =)