No More Excuses

 By Andrea Merrell

 

I’ve heard all the excuses. To name a few: I can’t. I don’t know how. I’m afraid. I’m not ready. I don’t have the time. What if I fail?

 

As writers, we all wait for doors to open and opportunities to present themselves. But sometimes when that door opens, we hesitate and lose the chance to move forward. 

Author Jon Mason says, “Opportunity is often lost in deliberation.” We can spend so much time thinking about whether we should go for it, the door slams in our face. 

Another writer says, “Opportunity is a visitor; don’t assume it will be back tomorrow.”

 

As the old cliché goes, Strike while the iron’s hot.

 

Over the years, I’ve met with many folks at writers’ conferences who presented devotions and stories that were excellent. I asked them to send me a proposal to look over. Surprisingly, only about 50 percent responded. The others did not, for whatever reason.

 

I’ve done it myself. Neglected to respond to a request from an editor or publisher. It’s not ready. I need more time. What if they don’t like it? What if it’s not the right fit?

 

When God calls us to write for Him, He equips us with whatever we need: words, ideas, training, passion, writing buddies, tenacity, time—and opportunities. But those doors won’t stay open forever. When we feel Holy Spirit nudging us to walk through, we need to put the excuses aside and move forward.

 

• Have you been asked to send in a proposal? Send it. The longer you hesitate, the harder it will be to let go.

 

• Is there a contest you’d like to enter? Enter it. It’s a great way to grow and learn how to meet deadlines.

 

• Is there a certain conference you’d like to attend? Make sacrifices. Save your money and go.

 

• Has someone asked you to do a guest post on their blog or a live video chat? Do it.

 

• Is there an anthology calling for submissions? Write that story and submit it.

 

• Has someone given you feedback on your writing and made suggestions for making it better? Heed that advice. It can only make you a better writer.

 

When we sit back and make excuses, we never get anywhere. God has so many wonderful things in store for us, but we have to do our part.

 

Whatever is in your heart … just do it. In other words, carpe diem. Seize the day. Make the most of the present time, and don’t think so much about tomorrow. You might be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. And always keep your eye out for those open doors.

 

What excuses have you made? What are you putting off until tomorrow? We would love to hear from you.

 

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles. )

(Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash.)

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Writer, seize the day. Keep your eye out for open doors of opportunity, and take that chance. via@AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)