Creative People Should Learn From Athletes

Okay, I have a few pet peeves...

I grew up as an Athlete, Track & Field specifically, where we trained everyday.  We ran, hurdled, long jumped, high jumped, threw shot put and Javelin, spent hours in the weight room and even ate around competitions.  From the age of eight, my world revolved around Track and Track meets.

We all knew that if we didn't practice, if we slacked in the weight room or didn't eat right or weren't sleeping well, then our performances and scores would suffer.  They always did.

Granted, I know athletics have measurable standards and competitions.  It's easier to track progress because the person that runs the fastest, jumps the highest or throws the farthest wins.  But creativity is much less objective.  I do understand that in the arts there are no real measurable standards as much as there are simply opinions.

So, back to my pet peeves...  My first is that creative, artistic people tend to think that they don't have to work (that they need to wait on inspiration). Second, that somebody will discover them if they just keep being.  And third, that they can make it on their talent alone.

NONE OF THESE ARE TRUE... (at least that is my subjective opinion!)  

1. Creating does involve inspiration, but if I waited until I felt good to train or compete, I never would have won national titles much less a city meet.  Don't sit on your talent.  If you are gifted and passionate in the arts, then you have to use it every day even when you don't feel good.

2. Colleges would never have known my name if I did not qualify for and compete in the national meets.  No one will ever hear your music if you don't make any.  No one will ever cast you for a film if they don't get your headshot and resume or like your demo reel. No one will ever read your book if you never finish it.  

3. Even the best of athletes cannot rely on talent alone, someone will always out work you.  Talent is like a resource.  It is all about what you do with it.  

See a pattern here?  We creatives can learn something from the athletes.  If you want to get off the bench and play, don't wait for inspiration.  Put in the work!