It’s that simple…

I’m reading a book on the craft of writing by a very accomplished novelist. With over 30 years of writing on his resume, his words carry the wight of experience and passion. He’s been down the road I’ve just started on, so my ears are wide open. When he was investigating whether he could be a writer or not, he sought the advise of a seasoned author who told him what it would take. Here’s what he said:

“If you want to be a writer, the secret is to write, write, write, and keep writing. It’s just that simple, and that terribly difficult.”

It’s that simple.

And that terribly difficult.

This is the big wall that divides most people from those that make it. This is not solely for writers either. In all the areas of our lives that we want to be successful, you have to work on it consistently for long periods of time.

Want a good marriage? Work on it everyday. It’s that simple and that terribly difficult.

Want to be in good shape? Work out multiple times a week and eat healthy.

Want to start a business? Work on it at nights every week.

It’s that simple and that terribly difficult. And it is difficult.

It’s difficult for me to keep writing because I’m busy. I have tons of responsibilities. I have a wife and two small children. There are errands to run, bills to pay, chores to do. It’s difficult.

But the reality is, its difficult for everyone. Everyone is busy. Everyone deals with similar setbacks. The key is to find time each day (week) and work at it. Set a realistic goal that will also stretch you. For me, my goal is to write every day a minimum of 500 words. I try to blow past that every day, but 500 minimum. I do that for a month and I’ve got 30-40% of a new book.

My wife is a great example. For years she wanted to start a photography business. She had the talent and skills. Finally a few years ago, she started making the time. Each day, each week, she kept working on her craft. And it is paying off. She’s one of the top life-style photographers in our city now. She has been booked solid for 4 straight months with no signs of slowing down. She realized, it’s that simple, but that terribly difficult. (Be sure to check out her stuff and hire her!)

What is it that you can start today?