Let’s Begin The Journey to Your First Paycheck!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
You’re sitting in a cabin by the beach and decided to ask the attendant for another Mai Tai. He returns shortly with a drink while you’re engrossed on your laptop finishing the post you’re absolutely sure is going to go viral when you hear someone calling your name.
Your boss reminds you of the report that was due five minutes ago. What? Daydreaming again? Not on the beach?
You get angry and upset all over again. You realized you were daydreaming. It doesn’t have to be your reality.
So, you’ve made the decision to become a writer (talking to myself also).
Sure you can and will achieve your goal, but it isn’t going to happen without some sacrifices on your part.
First, understand that it’s not going to happen overnight.
You have to do away with a microwave mentality. Can you garner success with your first article?
Will it go viral? Sure it can, but for the majority of us it’s going to take some dedicated time, effort, energy, research and networking to get to that viral first post.
With effort and focus will come improved skills and more opportunities in the long run. Your writing success will come gradually if you stick to it. Patience and persistence is the key.
Start with some free or freelance jobs to start creating your portfolio. You will need something to show to potential clients. With proof of your writing ability, you’ll attract clients who will pay for your work. Build a portfolio you will be proud to show your future clients.
If you’re working a 9 to 5, you may have to wake up early before your kids or add an extra hour at night when they are finally asleep. Ask your husband, wife or significant other for some time alone to get your writing done. The day will come when you’re able to spend more time with them while you’re working from home as a full-time writer.
Next, you’ll have to limit social activities with family and friends.
When you come from a large family or social group, of course they want you to participate in their birthday celebrations, baby showers, lunch or dinner out as a family.
Let them know that you’re busy and you just can’t attend at this time. If they get mad or upset as many of them will, it’s okay. They will get over it and you can explain later if you like while it was important to spend time and grow your skills.
At some point they may or may not come around. Your dream for your life will be much easier when you have the time.
Limit time on social media.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter will continue to be around long after you’ve found your happy spot with your writing endeavors.
In my mind, the founders of those platforms are successful in and of themselves and could care less about you. They spend time and money figuring out how to get you to spend even more time on their platforms and increase their bottom line profits.
If you find yourself caught up scrolling Instagram for more than 30 minutes, cutting back is essential and free up time you could spend writing.
Limiting TV Time.
I will miss my 1 pm. laugh and comedy break with Sherri Shepard. I’m sure if I explain to her I need to record her show for a period of time to reach my writing goals, she will have so much empathy and understanding.
Considering the amount of time and sacrifice she made to have her own successful #1daytime talk show, she will certainly be able to understand my need to step away and concentrate on writing.
Conclusion:
These sacrifices, while challenging in the short term, can lead to long-term success and fulfillment as a professional writer. They demonstrate a commitment to growth and dedication to your craft, which are often essential to achieving your writing goals.
By Pamela McCullough on October 3, 2023.
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Exported from Medium on November 28, 2023.