Froggy Notions

Sometimes I get crazy ideas about what might be a good story to tell.
Surely I'm the only one right?  Wrong!

I'll wager that every writer out there- no matter if they have become "successful" or not- has had an idea which is painfully brilliant, or sometimes just painful to hear. Some took the chance and some didn't. Whether a good or bad idea, how did this make the difference between success and failure for these writers? In and of itself- not at all. In this amazing world we're all a part of, the definition of failure is to stop trying for success. Failure is not an action- it is inaction.

Even outside of the writing field this has proven true. There are many politicians, actors, directors and small business owners who didn't fail overall due to one stinker of a decision, or even three. These people picked themselves up and tried again, sometimes changing tack, sometimes with the whole "I meant to do that" attitude.

We all fall- every one of us. And yet, there are still winners and losers in this world. This just serves to illustrate that to fall is not to fail- the failure is in refusing to rise again, or in fearing to even begin.

Mr. Wayne Gretzky's oft-quoted statement "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take", is just as true today as it ever was. That's like having a hard worker who made it happen with old fashioned sweat and elbow grease, ask you what on Earth you are waiting for.
If you think that some magic genie will pop out of the bottle and tell you that in the future, your idea will be a huge success- then you will never begin.

Three points to remember:
1. Do what you love, because you love it.
    Sure, this is another one that gets a lot of lip service. However, consider this: if the town crier were to state upwards of 100 times that the sky is blue, would simple repetition make it less true? Of course not! Write that fabulous article, blog, or book because of the creative force which drives you. Art for adulation's sake is almost always a mistake, and quite often a flop as well. If you put your heart into a piece and you love it, then it will never be the regret that an unfinished one can be.

2. Avoid pre-failing your efforts.
    Don't concern yourself with what people will think or say about your endeavor. If you have an idea and are able to express it creatively, in a way that touches people, then put it out there! There will always be critics who will pick an artistic piece apart searching heartily for all that is wrong with it. Devote your energy to those who will appreciate its truth, not those who will tear it down.

3. Face facts
    I'm passing this one along from Wil Wheaton, the child actor-turned blogger and author of 3 books. He claims someone passed it on to him, and I believe that it's very good advice, indeed.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SUCK.

Yep, that's it. As previously stated, we will all fall, or "jump the shark" plenty in our lifetimes. Learn from the experience, and go on with life. It won't stop your heart or empty your bank account so don't let it ruin your peace of mind or shake your courage either.



Positive thoughts and positive actions can't help but draw positive results, true?
This was my little pep talk to myself today about finding a way to just TAKE THE PLUNGE doing what I love, and want to do full-time. The fear of change, fear of failure or rejection is a powerful force that is difficult to overcome. But it is a worthwhile effort to do just that. Life is too short to live it in quiet desperation, as Thoreau put it. He also advised by example that we should "suck out all the marrow of life", or to paraphrase, live every day with passion and vigour as if it might be our last. One day it will be, you know.

I want that last day to be something I would never regret even if I could.

What do you think?
Which is better, to skip and skin your knee- or to stand still, uninjured, and bored?

Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.
    ~~"Babe" Ruth


Bonus: Here's one of my favorite songs with a message along the same lines.
Can't embed it, but check it out- it's a real mood lifter!
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack