Thursday, March 31, 2011

It's All in the Attitude

I know you’ve heard it a million times…this business is tough…it’s going to be a long bumpy road…grow thick skin, you’ll need it…and a thousand other variations on the same theme. You know why you’ve heard it so many times? Because it’s true :)

I’ve learned a lot since my early writing days…both in terms of my craft and in terms of my attitude. I’ve had some incredible highs and some heart-wrenching lows. I’ve danced with joy and been so devastated by a rejection it’s brought me to tears.

The one thing I’ve learned that I try to live every day…it’s all in the attitude.

I can let those setbacks destroy my dream, or I can dry my tears, square my shoulders and get back to it. With a smile on my face and determination in my heart. If you really want something and don’t want to be miserable while trying to get it, there really isn’t any other option.

Forgive the Star Wars quote but that awesome little Yoda man just says it best – "Do, or do not. There is no try."

I understand that it might take a while. I understand that it may not happen for everyone. But if you want the end result, whether it be publication or anything else, it will never happen for you if you don’t press forward. And if you don’t have a good attitude about the journey, you are just going to make everyone, most especially yourself, miserable. Life is just too short for that.


I figure, "If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance." (Anonymous)

Don't forget - the April Mystery Agent Contest starts TOMORROW!!! Check out yesterday's post for details and be sure to come back tomorrow with your one line pitches! :D

11 comments:

IanBontems said...

Great attitude to have, Michelle!

They do say a tough skin and stubbornness are musts in this industry.

Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom) said...

This is a great post. With so much good news out there right now, it's hard not to start feeling down after a while. Never EVER give up! Thanks for the inspiration, Michelle!

Tere Kirkland said...

Life is too short to be miserable about something you profess to love doing, that's for sure. It's taken me a long time to be able to take criticism as what it is, constructive or not, but these days I feel pretty confident about my writing.

And I love that quote! Tango, anyone? ;)

Samantha Sotto said...

I couldn't agree more. Happiness is absolutely choice. :)

Samantha Sotto said...

oops. Typo. "a" choice. :D

C.R. Evers said...

Very true and very well put! Great post

Andrea Mack said...

You are right. I think you get much more out of your life experiences when you have a positive attitude, also.

Natascha said...

Great post :) Needed it!

E. Arroyo said...

Awesome mindset. In time to start the weekend. Thanks!

Brenda St John Brown said...

Great post and I love the Yoda quote!

Norma Johnson-MacGregor said...

Beautiful post and just what I needed to hear, thanks! :)