I’ve often told my boys that everything begins with a plan. Most good things don’t just “happen”—they’re the result of hard work, meticulous planning, and a willingness to change direction.
American settlers knew the value of grit and sweat. With it, they carved roads in the wilderness, rebuilt their lives when the world came crashing down, and stood firm on their principles in the face of violence and tragedy.
Sometimes it seems that society has forgotten that fact. I continuously engage with students who want an academic “get-rich-quick” scheme without putting in the dedication necessary to truly master the content.
We adults may be tempted to shake our heads at that statement and mutter a complaint about “kids these days.” But I wonder how many of us follow a similar trend. How many times do we try to get results without counting the cost, getting advice, thinking things through and making revisions as dynamics change?
For authors, this couldn’t be more true. I jokingly remarked that my next release, In the Dead of the Night (launching on 3/9), is the only book I’ve rewritten–TWICE. I’ve written several novels that have done well and earned solid praise from industry leaders, but … back to the drawing-board this book went. I’m not ashamed of that fact. It doesn’t make me a bad author. In fact I think it shows my dedication to my craft and the fact that I have a vision in my heart that I want to share with the world.
And the same is true for every aspect of your life. Find a focus. Search your soul until you find what motivates you. What do you have to contribute to humanity? How can you be a role model or make a positive difference?
The answers to these questions can guide you to identifying your vision, motivate you when the road gets rough, and give you a sense of satisfaction despite the criticisms of others.
As I continue to refine my own path as an author, I invite you to do the same in whatever road you’re called to walk. There are no “quick roads” to success. There are only roads. Roads that we can choose to walk or not.
But, if we have a vision, we’ll persevere.
After all, that’s how things get done.
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About JP Robinson
JP Robinson is a prolific award-winning author. He graduated from SUNY Stony Brook university at 19 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and another in French. He is currently wrapping up his Master’s of Education.
JP is a contributor to Guideposts, Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse, and the Salvation Army’s War Cry. His work has been praised by industry leaders such as Publishers Weekly and secured the #1 spot on Amazon’s historical thrillers category.
