September 12, 2007
Good advice
Written by RobynDeHart in Writers and WritingNot too long ago I was watching the season finale to The Next Food Network Star (one of my summer indulgences) and I was struck by something that Bobby Flay said. He told the contestants, “if you’re not nervous about your passion, you’re not passionate about it.” Think about that as that statement implies so much. Some might argue that if you get nervous about something, then you’re not meant to do it and I would say that that’s totally true when it comes to jumping out of a plane, but I’m sure there are plenty of skydivers out there who would argue with me. When it comes to your passion though, I think nerves are healthy and even crucial to some degree. For me, my passion is my writing. I love it. Okay if my critique partner heard me say that, she’d totally laugh since I mostly complain about my writing, but in reality as much as I complain, I wouldn’t want to do any other profession. I am passionate about writing. And I’ll be honest, it makes me crazy nervous. It scares the pants off me some days. The business aspect is terrifying on its own, but the craft itself is nerve-inducing. How can I take the perfect story that’s in my mind and do it justice on paper? Do I remember how to write a book since the last time? What if they find out I’m a fraud? What if no one likes my stories? Writing makes me nervous. But it only makes me nervous because I truly love it. If I didn’t feel the passion I do for it, then I wouldn’t care how things turned out, it wouldn’t matter if I wrote a great book with characters that readers relate to.
So what do you think? Do you think Bobby Flay is right? And what are you passionate about? I’ll pick three random comments and give the winners an autographed copy of my latest release, Tempted At Every Turn.
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Bonnie Ferguson Says:
I think he makes a good point. I’m passionate about writing and found myself nodding in agreement when you talked about nerves and fear etc.
Stefanie D Says:
I think he is right too. If you’re passionate about something you want to do it as good as you can. So you have nerves.
I’m not a writer, but I’m passionate about reading and collecting books. And every time when I see books arriving, or when I’m buying books, I feel some kind of nerves. I’m always very excited at that moment!
AndreaW Says:
I agree with you, Robyn. I think nerves are completely healthy. I’m passionate about raising my kids right and do get nervous sometimes wondering if I’m doing okay or the right thing at a given time. I think it’s normal.
brownone Says:
I also agree. Like Andrea, I am passionate about my children’s education. I’ve just enrolled them in a gifted program at a school that is an hour away from our house. It’s a pretty long bus ride and a very early morning for us all. I am always second guessing myself if I am doing right by them or if they could do just as well at a school close by. Then I have the worry about them being so far away and something happening to them. I just want to give them the best that I possibly can!
Margo Maguire Says:
I think nerves are appropriate for some situations, especially when the outcome is unknown, like raising kids or performing (which is what writers do with each and every book).
But I sure wouldn’t want a nervous doctor operating on me. Or a nervous electrician wiring my house.
AndreaW Says:
LOL! Good point, Margo.
Minna Says:
I think he’s right. Up to a point, anyway.
Me, I’m passionate about translating.
Crystal B. Says:
I think he is right. The nervousness indicates how important it is to you. I am passionate about keeping my marriage fresh and growing and being there for my family.
Lois Says:
Oh, absoultely. . . it’s something you like, you love, you think is going to be terrific, so you’re even more nervous about what people are going to think about it.
Me, ah, science/space.
Lois
Teresa W. Says:
Enjoyed the post today and my passion is reading!
Cherie J Says:
I love the Food Network. Alot of times it is the only TV time I ever take for myself. Bobby Flay is so right. I find myself nervous about being a good mother and raising my kids right. I am always second guessing myself and trying to learn to do better where I can. My kids are so precious to me and so important. I have always believed that anything that is important to you should be done to the best of your ability. That is what I strive for with my kids.
Maureen Says:
I think he has a good point. My husband loves fishing and when him and our son are going on an early morning trip he can’t sleep the night before. I love the excitement of getting and starting to read a new book I’ve been looking forward to.
Bonnie Says:
I do agree with him. I am passionate about life. I am retired and single and finally have time to do what I want. Sometimes a new venture makes me nervous but I take a deep breath and jump right in. It is usually worth a few moments of discomfort.
Helen Says:
I totally agree to be really passionate about something there must be nerves especially when doing something new I have always told my children that it is alright to be nervous before a game of soccer or netball or swimming or running race but to go out there and do your best and enjoy what you are doing. I think the neves are part of the anticipation of doing something especiall if it is new.
Have Fun
Helen
catslady Says:
I’m not so sure I agree. I think being nervous can be a good thing in some cases, wanting to strive for something better. Being nervous could also mean you have no confidence in your ability. I think being passionate about something means it’s something that gives you total joy and you prefer doing it more than anything else.
Sierra Says:
I love writing but I’m really nervous about it. I just entered my first contest. I can’t wait to get the feedback, but I am really scared. *nervous lol*
I think it’s good to be nervous (to a certain extent) because when I’m nervous I push myself to do my best. Of course, being too nervous/scared can be a bad thing…
Stacy S Says:
I agree with him. If you really didn’t care about something why be nervous? I’m passionate about my son. Just like how he’s going to be when he’s older, if that makes any sense.
Christy H. Says:
For me personally I think I would change the word “nervous” to “excited” (which the two feelings kind of intermingle for me anyway)
“if you’re not excited about your passion, you’re not passionate about it.”
AP Says:
I consider myself passionate about things but I try not to get nervous about things. I try to visualize what is the worst thing that could happen. THat said I get nervous in job interviews and dr’s offices no matter what I do!!
Kim Says:
Oh, I completely agree with that statement. I don’t see how you can be in to something and not get nervous about it at some point. I’m very passionate about my marriage and also the projects I have at work. I wonder on those if I’ll be able to complete them.
Shana Says:
I get nervous about my passions as well. It’s not a paralyzing nervousness–more of a motivating one.
Good topic, Robyn! I liked reading all the responses.
Sue A. Says:
I think nerves are an important part of our decision process. It’s just a check system that makes you evaluate a decision so you don’t just jump into things blindly. Being passionate about something without being nervous suggests a lack of emotion which is an oxymoron in my opinion.