Enthusiasm and Perseverance

In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world all rests on perseverance.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I recently read this quote and saw myself. My Random House Webster’s dictionary defines enthusiasm as: lively, absorbing interest; eager involvement. My bone-deep love of storytelling and a keen desire to share my stories is what keeps me enthusiastic. I am bereft when I miss a day at my computer, lost in another world with my characters. I imagine myself published, and busy working on my third manuscript. Inside my head, I already have a two-book deal, signed, sealed and delivered. Dreams are a big part of enthusiasm. When an RWA member announces the call, I whoop in joy for her. We all recognize the effort and time it took for her to win the prize. We tell ourselves, yes, I can, too.

How do you keep your enthusiasm when someone shoots it down? An agent rejecting your query letter is like a hammer blow. And, I’ve taken my lumps from contest judges––crawled into a hole of self-doubt for awhile––but, I focus on the big picture.

This is where perseverance kicks in. Again I turn to my Webster’s dictionary for a definition of perseverance: steady persistence in the course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Persistence is it, then. I’ll share two of my favorite quotes about Persistence and Determination.

Press On
Nothing in the World can take the place of Persistence.
Talent will not: Nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.
Genius will not: Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb
Education alone will not: The world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent.
From the 30th President of the United States

Edison failed 10, 000 times before he made the electric light. Do not be discouraged if you fail a few times.
Napoleon Hill

I haven’t reached the destination of published full length romance author yet, but with enthusiasm and perseverance I intend to succeed. I want the same for every writer reading this blog!

When you’re feeling low and need to recapture your enthusiasm, what do you do?