15 Minute Writer

How to Write: How to Achieve Outstanding Success

June 30th, 2011 Tags: encouragement in writing, how to write, learn to write, success
Posted in How to Write, Keys to Success in Writing, Writing Encouragement

At the end of her freshman year, my daughter received four outstanding achievement awards in four of her high school subjects.

One evening soon after, I went on a walk with her and asked her, “What do you attribute your success to?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“Tell me specifically, what did you do that made you successful.”

I pressed her a little more for insights. I wanted her to think through and understand for herself what actions she took to bring success and recognition.

“Well, I did the homework. A lot of kids don’t even bother to do the homework. They come into class and get a zero. The teacher makes them go into encore and they still have to do it. One guy told me he doesn’t care. I told him, it doesn’t make sense. He could get the whole 10 points if he would do the homework before he comes to class.”

“Yes, I agree. That is not too smart on his part. I know you are diligent about coming home after school and doing your homework. You take it seriously. That is a good habit you’ve developed.”

She nodded.

“Okay, one reason for your success is that you do the homework. What was another?”

“I make sure I stay on the teacher’s good side,” she smiled.

I chuckled, “Yes, that is important. Keeping a good relationships with those who are over you is a key principle. Anything else?”

“I do the extra credit.”

“Ah, now that is a critical point right there. You go the extra mile to do what others don’t do.  That attitude sets you apart and sets you up for success.”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Good for you. I’m proud of you. You’re learning success principles in school that will carry you through life so keep up the good work!”

“Thanks Mom.”

As I reflected on this conversation, my mind turned to learning how to write. What does it take to be a good writer? It’s much the same as my daughter has done in school.

• Complete  the homework.
• Respect the teacher enough to listen to what they have to teach whether it’s a book or class.
• Do the extra credit.
• Go the extra mile to practice
• Put in the extra time to apply what you learn.

These may seem simple and obvious and they are but not necessarily easy. Otherwise everyone would be successful. You can set yourself apart if you follow these principles and earn outstanding achievement awards in whatever field you choose.

If you are an online writer, you can draw people to your blog or website. If you write short stories, novels or books, your books and stories can be the ones that will be published. You can even be a bestseller or at least be highly respected in your chosen field or niche.

One thing you’ll need if you want to be a recognized writer, is good writing skills. If you’re interested in learning how to write or improve your creative writing skills, check out, “How to Write for Fun and Profit.”

King Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived, said,

“Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 (NIV1984)

How about you? What habits could make you more successful? What is the “extra” you can do with your writing to be outstanding?

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