When my hubby and I were dating, I used the term once, and he promptly corrected me. "Don't try, Krista. Just do it."
At first, I was highly irritated at the man. He's super super lucky that I didn't kick him to the curb at the time:-) (Doesn't he know that he was dating me and lecturing is NOT a fantastic way to woo a woman? Just saying...)
Anyway, I mulled it over and decided he was super right.
I used "I'll try" as an excuse just in case I failed. It was my out, my "I did my best and that's all that matters" that would make me feel better about falling flat on my face.
But... when I used it, I tended to fall on my face much faster and get up much slower.
Over the years, I've grasped the whole Nike slogan with more gusto.
Do I still fall flat on my face?
You bet.
But, instead of shrugging my shoulders and saying, "Well, I tried my best", I now brush off the dirt, crack my knuckles, and get to be business of "just doing it" one more time.
The writing life is kinda like that.
If you "try" to write.... something will always conveniently come up and get in the way.
If you "try" to take a whirl at this whole publishing thing... odds are that it'll get kinda hard, you'll get a few rejection letters (or the dreaded no response) and shrug your shoulders with a sad, "Oh well, I tried."
If God is truly calling you to write... then just do it.
NO excuses.
NO "I'll try"s.
NO buts.
Just. Do. It.
Will you get rejected? Odds are, yes.
Will you get writer's block? If you don't, then I'm thoroughly jealous.
Will you want to quit? Most likely on average once a week or more.
But the persistant and obedient will be victorious. Those who keep there eyes on JESUS and follow HIS commands will win the race God has set out for them.
Discussion: Are you an "I'll try"er? What are some other fun slogans that can be applied to the writing life?
