Woman in the Rain

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:

1. Practice, practice, practice. We don’t improve without it.
2. We do better with a mentor, friend, or relative to cheer us on.
3. No matter how hard we work, there is no guarantee where we’ll finish, or if we’ll win.
4. Most of us do it because we love it, it’s who we are, or we’re driven.
5. We face moments of crushing disappointment and incredible elation.
6. We need a lot of head talk to keep us on track.
7. We are judged by others as to the quality of our performance, or writing.
8. Many athletes, like writers, work in solitude. It can get lonely.
9. We need a coach, or critique group, to help us see our weaknesses and improve.
10. Great effort can separate us from the pack, and endurance may help us win.
11. 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.

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