Like many people, I’ve been tuned into the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London. As I watched these Olympic athletes striving for success in their chosen sport, it occurred to me that writers have a lot in common with them. We’re all trying to get across the finish line, hopefully with a win.
Ways that athletes and writers are alike:
- Practice, practice, practice. We don’t improve without it.
- We do better with a mentor, friend, or relative to cheer us on.
- No matter how hard we work, there is no guarantee where we’ll finish, or if we’ll win.
- Most of us do it because we love it, it’s who we are, or we’re driven.
- We face moments of crushing disappointment and incredible elation.
- We need a lot of head talk to keep us on track.
- We are judged by others as to the quality of our performance, or writing.
- Many athletes, like writers, work in solitude. It can get lonely.
- We need a coach, or critique group, to help us see our weaknesses and improve.
- Great effort can separate us from the pack, and endurance may help us win.
- We have to be very disciplined, have a strong work ethic and be determined.
Kelly Calway (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
And no matter if we are writer or athlete, the journey will teach us more about ourselves and change us forever.
