Zen in the Art of Writing

I read a book this weekend that I will likely talk about for weeks to come. The amount of motivation and wisdom in this compact book of essays reached into my brain on several levels. Today I’m going to give you what may be the best quote – at the very least it’s the one that best applies to Turning 30.

“For the first thing a writer should be is – excited. He should be a thing of fevers and enthusiasms.” (p 4)

Writers are not the only ones in need of fevers and enthusiasms. All people, no matter what our occupations, can benefit from having something to be excited about.

I’m not saying that to be successful or fulfilled you should be excited to go to work everyday. What I’m suggesting is that there should be at least one thing – one thing in your life – that gets you excited and enthusiastic.

That one thing can be your kids, you job, your spouse, a hobby, your favorite pair of shoes. What it is doesn't matter – just that it is.

Take today to think about what matters to you. Take a single step in finding your own passion. Make a list if you have to. If the thing you love comes to mind in an instant, consider your self blessed. Then decide what the second thing you love is.