Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you.
Jim RohnRead
Writing is the hardest thing I know, but it was the only thing I wanted to do. I wrote for 20 years and published nothing before my first book.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing requires perseverance, even in the face of difficulty and initial failure.
Kent Haruf’s quote reflects the challenges of the writing process and the commitment required to pursue one’s passion despite obstacles and setbacks. He emphasizes that the struggle to produce meaningful work can be daunting, but the desire to create is a powerful motivator that drives individuals to persist for years, even without immediate success.
Themes
WritingPerseveranceMotivationFailureSuccessPassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to encourage participants to push through writer's block.
Similar quotes
I think I'm not a natural-born salesman, for sure, but If I have a product I really believe in, I can overcome some of the shyness and get through the things that aren't natural to me.
Phil KnightRead
I believe confidence is all about being positive concerning what you can do -- and not worrying over what you can't do. A confident person is open to learning, because she knows that her confidence allows her to walk through life's doorways, eager to discover what waits on the other side. She knows that every new unknown is a chance to learn more about herself and unleash her abilities.
Joyce MeyerRead
Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
William Arthur WardRead
The things that motivated me at 21 don't suffice. Which is scary but really liberating in a way. It's taken me a long time to feel like, instead of being invited to the party with a bunch of people I don't know, that I actually deserve to be here.
Chris PineRead
We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.
ArchilochusRead