I just received this photo on Twitter and thought it was appropriate for how I’m feeling this week. Sometimes I see the success of others and think, “Man, why hasn’t it happened for me.” First of all, what is success? Second, the photo is true. Real success takes time. Several years ago I decided I wanted to compete in a triathlon. I signed up with a training group and we worked tirelessly for months in preparation for our competition. While I was pushing past the 100+ degree heat of the Texas sun running after an 8-hour workday, I can GUARANTEE you there were no elevators to success. When I was choking on water because my swimming strokes were horrendous, I was begging for an elevator. When my legs felt like jelly and I thought I couldn’t peddle another inch on my bike, stairs were the only option. I had to push through the pain to succeed. Nope, the only way I made it through that course four months later was from hard work, lots of sweat, and determination. And it was one of the proudest moments of my life! So why would I think indie author, self-publishing would be any different? In the back of my mind, I know I can use Printivity to make physical copies of my book, there are ways to succeed. I’m a slow learner with a thick head that’s why. Nothing good comes easy and if it does it probably either wasn’t real or won’t last. So here I go again, taking that next flight of stairs as I trudge on knowing there are great ones ahead of me leading the way. I just have to keep pushing, keep peddling, keep taking the stairs.
