Archery World Cup (Photo credit: IntelGuy)
As a new writer, I get that inner critic talking trash in my head. Those inner critics are evil little demons whether its writing, management or sports. I read a great book, Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield (www.stevenpressfield.com), and it’s the most influential book I’ve read in a long time! This book is one I will re-read and just pick up when I need a little reminder and mental kick in the ass.
The book is about the journey of being an amateur to becoming a professional, i.e., Pro. It’s a mental switch flip that is free to everyone. When I began my management career, I had a beloved manager mentor me, who didn’t say ‘Fake It Until You Make It’ he said “You know this… Show It and Believe It.” That took me pretty far. Next thing I knew I had junior managers looking to me for support, questioning themselves. My hope is that I’m passing along this wise legacy that is clearly about Turning Pro.
What I find interesting is my solidarity in my management background but not in writing and other vocations/activities. I am guessing there are several of us out there. As Steven writes, Turning Pro demands sacrifice but the pay off is grand.
It gives us our voice, our confidence, our self-respect.
Turning Pro takes work and commitment. I can’t become a Pilot without training just because I mentally say I am. I’ll have to have lessons and air time and take the craft seriously.
We are into the New Year where many will make resolutions. Statistics on the local news indicate that 30% of these resolutions will be broken by end of January and 75% by end of March. That certainly doesn’t lend to Turning Pro. So before you make half hearted resolutions…
What do you need in your life or mental switch flip to turn pro?
What are you going to do to get there?
Are you committed or will you become a statistic?
Share your answers, thoughts, comments…
3 Commenters, in random drawing, will receive a copy of Turning Pro by January 30, 2013, it’s my way of paying it forward!
Tagged: Amateur, Commitment, inner critic, Management, New Year, New Year Resolutions, Pro, Professional, Project management, Steven Pressfield, Turning Pro, Writer, writing
Those inner critics are ghastly. I am glad you have found an antidote to that.
–JW
JW, I don’t know that I’ve found the antidote to that inner critic, but having something to remind you to put it at bay sure does help. If there was a sure fire way to keep that lil devil outta the way I think I’d invest