I would argue that being a successful writer is the correlation of strong willpower and courage. In other words, Grit. The eponymous dictionary.com defines grit as, “courage and resolve; strength of character.” it is a word/term re-popularized as of late as an educational catchphrase (and oft excuse). I am not going to use grit right now but instead focus on the component of willpower.
I am writing this from the comfort of my own bed as I coast into the afternoon watching the Ny Giants struggling to come from behind to beat the Cowboys. That is to say that my willpower is questionable as of late. I have not been motivated to do much more than reflect. So, here we are, reflecting.
The writers I know to be most prolific are the ones who have that inner push to get but in chair and produce fiction. This is regardless of their level of success from story to story. As a contract writer I tend to publish nearly everything, which while wonderful is no hope to the willpower. Will requires a significant test. You need failure to learn how to fight and you need failure to recognize the value of success.
So, I’m going to be reflecting on willpower moving forward and trying to foster a deeper understanding of what it is, how I apply it, and what to do in order to make myself stronger moving forward.