Dedication, Discipline & Cultivating Self-Worth in 2018 with The Story Farm

By focusing on the importance of dedication, discipline, and sticking to deadlines, we naturally create a sense of self-worth, and self-worth creates confidence, and through confidence stems belief. While it sounds simple enough, every year I talk to and work with writers who battle with all three of what I just mentioned.

We all know, on a theoretical level, that we're supposed to be dedicated, have discipline, and stick to deadlines. We could add another "D" in there by saying, "duh". But even though we are reminded of these three intentions on a daily basis, do we take them as seriously as we could? And by 'serious', I don't mean that they have to be handled with care as if they’re Mom's precious antique silver that's been passed down over multiple generations. Instead, I ask that you all take a much softer, less pressurized approach to those three words and just accept that they are a part of your daily routine.

Self-worth, confidence, and belief should be considered personal elements that you already have, as opposed to things you must attain. They are not outside of you as material goods you have to somehow find or discover. You are already worthwhile. What we tend to forget to do is consistently practice ways in which we are reminded of our worth.

If you are struggling with your writing, or having doubt about your ability, or maybe questioning whether or not this writing thing is for you, my question to you is, “how often are you writing and are you asking for help?” If you’re writing for maybe a couple hours a week (or less) and accepting your first draft as the final product without requesting notes or feedback, then of course you will doubt your process, ability, and worth. But if you dedicate yourself to constantly finding ways to be just a little better than you used to be, one day at a time, with a focus on improvement, you’ll find reasons why you and your writing are worthwhile.
The Story Farm tells each of its writers that if you can write for at least 10 hours per week, you will be able to fully develop a project in six months or less, this is of course if you are receiving feedback and applying notes and changes as you develop. 10 hours per week is only about an hour and a half per day. In the grand scheme of things, this is nothing. How quickly does an hour and a half pass by, and how often do we let that time pass without being productive? I would argue that we do such a thing far more often than we should.

Do you need a coach to keep you dedicated, disciplined, and sticking to deadlines? No! You really don't. This is the irony of what I do for a living. Technically speaking, you don't need me or The Story Farm.

So while I could preach to you about the importance and benefits of hiring a coach to work with on a weekly basis, who in turn will help you stick to your deadlines and stay disciplined, you already know the benefits. I would be preaching to the choir, really. The better question is, how quickly do you intend to improve and create success in your life and writing career? This helps you create that self-worth, confidence and a positive personal belief system that reinforces your writing, drive, and yes, dedication and discipline.

Another question to consider: are you willing to slave away for 10 years before ever getting your work noticed? This takes extreme dedication and devotion (another D word), but what if you could cut that time in half, or more? Would you be willing to invest in yourself in order to bring that length of time to a much more condensed level? If there is anything in your life that is worth investing in, it’s you. Your belief system will evolve and improve the more you invest in yourself, so my wish to you in 2018 is to do just that. Whether you hire a coach or join a writers group or take a class, or simply read more books, I implore you to do more for yourself and your writing career than you did in 2018. You’re worth it.

In the coming year (and beyond), I expect you to dedicate yourself to your writing whether you work with The Story Farm or not. I really hope you make a commitment to yourself and your writing, and if you are willing and able to receive help, feel free to email me and we can talk about your goals, how to achieve them, and if The Story Farm is an option for you. If it isn’t, I completely understand, but I promise that there are other options that can and will improve your writing and your chances at finding real success in this industry. Find them. Utilize them. Apply them to your life and writing. Real success and prosperity is possible, and it’s time you believe it.

I wish you all the very best in this bright new year, and don't hesitate to email me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

www.TheCraftCourse.com


Very sincerely,
 
--Max Timm and The Story Farm

This is part of a weekly email series delivered to The Story Farm email list by the ISA's Max Timm. If you would like to join the email list and receive inspiring messages and upcoming offers from Max and The Story Farm, CLICK HERE

• Three Story Farm writers were listed in the ISA’s Top 25 Writers to Watch in 2018
• In December alone, four writers have signed shopping agreements or options with major producers on material developed with The Story Farm
• Nine 2017 Story Farm writers have signed up with Max and his coaches for another 12 months of service

Contact Max Timm at max@thestoryfarm.org to review the best option for you.

Invest in yourself in 2018. You're worth it.