Us writers have got a difficult job. Oh, I know all about the stereotype vision of sitting around in pajamas, drinking coffee and putting ethereal thoughts and prose to paper. (BTW, if anyone is doing that very thing right now then be sure and post a comment) For most of us though, we spend a lot of time peeking under rocks for some work, scratching our heads over a client request or waiting for some divine inspiration to lift our writing to our lofty goals.
Rocky Road Rigidity
There are some days when it seems like the powers that be are determined to throw every conceivable road block in our path. Before indignantly shaking your fist up at the sky, have a look at the mirror and see if maybe what’s being reflected isn’t the source of the difficulty.
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. We struggle and wonder why we have been cursed. From my experience I can tell you that a lot of times we’ve made ourselves miserable because we are too rigid. Rigid in our beliefs and attitudes, rigid in our processes, rigid in our schedules.
In my former life I ran a paramedic school. In addition to the obvious medical training, I had to teach my students about what the job really was about. I had to try and instill a little of the street sense wisdom that I had garnered over the years. I told them in part, that one of the greatest keys to their success was an ability to zig when they were certain they were going to zag. In other words, flexibility is the key to success.
Flexible does not mean weak
Now, I’m not taliking about everyone being a mealy-mouthed, spineless jellyfish with no conviction. I’m talking about having the clarity of vision to recognize that the path you are traveling is just too darned rocky, so it may be a good idea to choose a different path. It reminds me of an old “Far Side” cartoon showing a raging river with salmon struggling to make it up a waterfall – on the far edge of the river is a cool-cat salmon with shades, riding an escalator.
I hope you can see how this could relate to your writing. The inspiration for this post came from the comments on yesterdays e-book post. When I wrote that, I was some kind of fired up. My conviction was strong and there really was no way in hell anyone could have changed my mind. Well, after reading through some of the very thoughtful comments, I decided I would leave the door open. I didn’t flop. I didn’t do a 180. I’m just saying that based on input received, I may re-evaluate e-books in the future.
And that’s what I’m talking about
Your strategies for success, your methodology for getting things done all need to be up for grabs to a certain extent. Recognize that in this fast and rockin’ world things are a changin’. Refuse to get on board and you will surely be left behind.
How flexible are you? Can you bend with the breeze? Are you too controlling to be open to change?
How funny George, I read & was struck by this this morning:
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”
-Winston Churchill
I am generally a fairly flexible person after a predictable short period of digging heels in and pouting.
Tracy´s last blog post..Ich habe das Telefonangst
George:
I know where you are coming from. I can have some very strong opinions on things then through a discussion “Oh, I didn’t consider that?” thoughts are brought to me!
So, never say never?
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..Too Many or Not Enough?
I thought about this some more while out picking up the kid. Not to toot my own horn, but I think my strength is in putting ideas out there, getting feedback, going through my initial pouty heel digging, then coming back with a completely new idea. Not just in writing, in almost everything I do.
All creative people have this ability if they can get over their fear of seeming weak, a pushover or losing control.
Remember those that disagree with us might not necessarily be right, but they will almost always help you see things from all angles.
Tracy´s last blog post..Ich habe das Telefonangst
I suffer from severe anxiety and the first lesson I learned was to be flexible or as you put it, less rigid. I tried keep to strict schedules and tasks but found that it just made the situation worse, and got me further behind.
I now try to be both flexible and professional with my work. whenever my anxiety flares up, and I cant deliver a guest post on time, I’ll email them and say so. This has actually gotten me come compliments instead of the expected anger
I just make sure I have a lists of tasks I want to get done on a particular week. If I don’t reach my daily goals, thats fine. I’ll move onto something else so I remain productive.
Sorry for the ramble – this is a great post that really made me think.
Jade Craven´s last blog post..Top Tips for Getting a Guest Post on an A-List Blog
I love what you said: Flexible does not mean weak
That is true but not all folks see it that way (unfortunately). I’m so happy that my editors have noticed I’m flexible. I can write 1,000 words or trim it down to 500. I can write about a new topic they throw at me. I love letting editors know I can bend with the breeze.
Now other areas of my life….
*smiles*
Michele
P.S. Great post – stumbled!
Michele´s last blog post..Interview with an E-book Author
Tracy,
There is a lot of synchronicity going on right now. Yesterday WebDesi3 and I posted articles on nearly the identical topic. Today, Amber at Altitude Branding has a post very much in line with the one I’m doing today.
And now your quote.
We all must be living right.
George
Hi Dee,
Yes I think that’s right. You’ve been with me long enough to see me get on my soapbox, only to have to take it down and move to another town square
george
Hi Jade,
It’s nice to see you here. No worries, not a rambling post at all. I think there’s a lot of value in what you’re saying and I hope people take a lesson from it.
Cheers!
George
Michele,
That is a fantabulous
point. If you want to tick off editors, go ahead and stay rigid. That ought to just shoot you to the top of their “favorite” writers list.
George
LOL!