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Last week I was taken to task for the column I wrote on Dreaming of Success. Now normally I don't mind stirring up the pot and getting people steamed, but after some soul-searching, I concluded that I was actually wrong in some of the things I said in that column.
Specifically, I singled out something that was written by a member of a writer's group (though it wasn't the group my critic thought it was -- but that's really beside the point.) I criticised that individual for saying that he had a dream of being a professional writer. Now I still want everyone to think of their careers in different terms (more about this below.) But where I screwed up was in assuming that his using the term implied he was a "screenwriting hobbyist." I shouldn't have, and looking back on it, I have no idea why I did make that leap. (Yes I do-- it was because it was a cute way to illustrate my point, rather than really assuming that my label applied to this individual.) Mea culpa.
Let me just say here, for the record, that I know many people who are members of screenwriting/networking organizations. And the vast majority of them are NOT hobbyists-- they are serious-minded and clearly on their way to success. Come to think of it, the hobbyists I've known have NEVER been in such groups, one among many reasons they probably remained hobbyists. No, networking groups are a good thing, I was a member of one myself years ago, and many members of that group went on to amazing careers (a few of them still make me jealous with their success, but that's another column).
The point I was trying to make last week (and obviously made badly) was this: language counts. The way we THINK ABOUT ourselves is key. So, when you think of your career, don't use the word "dream," even when the thoughts are private and remain in your head. Use the words "reality," "certainty," and "goal." And don't think in terms of "if" or "some day" but rather "when" and "this year."
That's all. It was a good point, but I framed it in a bad way. So once again, to the individual I referenced and to all others in such groups, accept my apology. Networking is GOOD. Sitting in your room fantasizing and daydreaming and doing everything BUT writing and networking and getting your work out there is BAD.
Oh well, it doesn't feel good to be humbled, but that's okay. Next time I want to stir things up, I'll just make sure my spoon is in the right pot. |
