The headline determines a reader’s next move. Will they continue to read or walk away?

The tricky part is coming up with a headline that is not boring, but instead captures your reader’s attention without being misleading or flimsy.

As a copywriter, active and compelling language play an important role in drawing your audience in for more.  You only have seconds to do this.

With the right headline.

There have been plenty of expert copywriters that have spent time on this topic alone. One of the best places to garner helpful information on copywriting in general is Copyblogger’s blog. He has a whole series just on killer headlines.  Successful and well-known copywriter David Garfunkel wrote a book about writing headlines that make you rich.

There are several basic keys to creating compelling and selling headlines. Here are three basic tips, followed by more ideas from other bloggers.

1. Know Your Audience

When you are creating a sales letter, or a blog post, know your audience. Who are your prospects? Who will benefit from your products or services? This is where to start. Picture your readers and imagine what they would want to know. What would entice them to read further? Knowing your audience is key to a developing an alluring headline.

2. Do You Solve A Problem or Concern?

Address a problem or a concern. Then state how you can help in a concise headline.  Answer the “What’s in it for me?” question in your headline. Determine how your products or services will help people life better lives or solve a problem.

3. Tap Into Your Audience’s Emotions?

Sales is all about emotions. You have probably heard that people buy based on emotions, and then justify their purchase with reason. This can apply to products, services, or even an idea or concept.  The best headlines tap into the reader’s emotions.

Focusing on your audience’s emotions can be a powerful attention grabbing tool.

The common emotions harnessed in copywriting and compelling headlines include:

1. Greed – How Many People Are Robbing You Blind?
2. Frustration – Are You Tired of Wasting Time on ____________ ?
3. Pride – Want to Impress Your Friend’s and Family with this Secret?
4. Fear – You May Be Vulnerable to Losing Your Retirement Savings!
5. Anger – How You Can Stand Up to Your Boss and Anyone Else

One final point. To address the needs of the readers, expert copywriters may use headline templates that:

* Make a promise
* Asks a question
* Makes an announcement
* Arouses curiosity
* Is newsworthy

When sitting down to write your next sales page, article, brochure, or newsletter, spend some a significant amount of time writing the headline. Create a dozen different possible headlines. Then test, and test again to find the one that works.

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Social media is a part of many people’s daily lives. Checking Facebook and Twitter several times a day is not uncommon. I recently wrote about the cons of social media for writers. I would also like to address the positive aspects of social media for writers.

Social Media Pros

The Pros (© Anatoly Maslennikov)

In an attempt to cling to my strong desire to remain an optimist, I believe  that these pros outweigh the cons. Social media opens doors for writers. It gives them a way to dip a toe in the publishing pool without significant hoops to jump through.

By creating compelling content, you can become a celebrity. ~Paul Gillin

Okay, celebrity may be a strong word. But even if it is only fifteen minutes of fame, a well-written piece can get you noticed through social media.  Who knows? It may be tossed into the lap of the right person. A well-known publisher or even a popular blogger may see it. And like it. Both literally and digitally.

Facebook Pages, Twitter Lists, and Linked in Groups connect writers, publishers, bloggers, and editors from all over the world.  Sites like Linked In allow you to present your writing without getting past the receptionist. It is not always that simple, but it gives writers a more equal playing field.

• Ability to reach many. With social media, you can put your writing in front of thousands with just a few clicks. No stamp required. Social networking sites like Digg, Stumble Upon, and now Pinterest make it simple to expose your writing to the world.

• Opens doors. Long before the days on the Internet, writers had to send queries by snail mail. These letters came along with hundreds of other letters that came across the editor’s desk. If it was accepted, it could take months before you knew. Although, most print publications still require a query letter, there are other outlets to get the attention of an editor or publisher – social media.

• Constructive feedback. This may teeter between the pro and con list for some people. Constructive criticism is invaluable for a writer, as much as it stings. The essential word that puts this on the pro list is constructive. There are people that just like to be negative, all the time. Without advice that offers something of value, it may be perceived as hurtful. Sold advice from a mentor is definitely positive!

• Virtual Networking. The Internet, especially social media, provides many ways to connect with others in your niche. Even if you only connect online, networking provides both professional and emotional support to writers. Writers can find inspiration from other writers. The news of a writing conference or seminar travels through social media. Local publishers, editors, and writers form groups or Meetups and advertise them on social media.

• No one cares.  I realize this was on the con list, too. I think it depends on how you look at it. If the writing is not your best foot forward, but just something you had to get off your chest, maybe it is best that no one really cares. If no one is responding to your writing, this provides a way to use it as feedback. Is the writing entertaining, interesting, helpful, or educational? Often times, if it is one of these things, people will take notice. If not, rethink your next piece of writing.

National borders aren’t even speed bumps on the information superhighway.  ~Tim May

I would like to know what other people have experienced through social media!  Please share your comments!

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Long before the Internet and social media, I was writing silly love poems in the back of my grade school notebook. No one ever read these and when I look back, they were pretty horrible. I am grateful that social media did not exist back then. I may have been tempted to share them.

In my teen years, I wrote a few short stories. Again, no Pulitzers or any Literary Awards in my future.

In Comes… Social Media

Social Media

Before social media and blogs, unless their work was a best-seller, writers did not get the same opportunities for recognition that they have today.  This is both a good thing and a bad thing. Just like two sides of sandpaper, when you share your creative words on social media, results can be rough or smooth.

If you are a risk-taker, you may expose your poems about your high school crush on Facebook for all the world to see. Who knows? If they are good, maybe it will go over smoothly. No offense, but if your poems are anything like mine were, prepare for some rough feedback.

Well, that’s if you are popular on the social media scene. If you have twelve followers or friends, I guess there is not much of a risk.

Whether valid or not, with the advent of social media and blogs, everyone is a “writer.”  Social media does provide quality writers more channels to share their work. Just like American Idol opens doors for unknown singing talent, social media allows unknown writers a chance to get noticed. This open door policy can have positive and negative results.

Let’s start with the negative side first.

Social Media Cons

The Cons

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” ~Einstein

What would he think TODAY?

Has the invention of gadgets, wireless, and social media allowed us to be so in touch that we have lost sight of simple human touch? Has technology replaced our need for face to face interactions?  Maybe the pithy comments has watered down our genuine interest in others? The ability to hide behind a screen.

It is possible that negative rhetoric and  controversial statements in 140 characters or less stems from the need to be noticed among the large crowd gathered around the virtual water cooler. Our words get lost in the constant streams of information. Or get magnified under a critical light.

• Prepare your heart for battle.  Writers, just like other creatives, bare their innermost personal thoughts when they write. For many, writing provides an escape route for their deep-rooted fears, wonders, chagrin, amusements, and passions. Sharing our writing with the public is like exposing a piece of ourselves. So, both good or bad feedback is tender on the heart.

• Dealing with critical feedback. You will eventually offend someone. No matter what you write, people will either agree or disagree. They may not like the content or your opinion. Grammaticians and English majors will come out to the party, too, if they happen to read what you wrote. As a writer, you have to constantly build up calluses to the criticism.

• Social media consumes you. We have all been there. How many people will “like or “retweet” my post or update? It is a sad state of social media obsession today that feeds the self-absorption zeal. In the digital world, vindication of our words comes from the number of Retweets or Likes. So, we check our accounts at stop lights, in public restrooms, while hiking, or even before we get out of bed in the morning.

• No one cares. This revelation is what wounds our self-esteem. Some writers have a stronger steel plate of confidence and are better than others at taking the journalistic snub. You may write what you believe to be an inspirational or informative piece and not one person reads it, responds to it, or shares it with their own circle of social media friends. Once again, mature writers had a more developed armor of confidence. They realize that sometimes, no one really does care. And that’s okay.

Every bit of software wants you to be “social.”  What ever happened to being grumpy and alone in your writer’s fugue?  ~Doug Green

Related articles

• Social Media: Helping or Hindering the Art of Writing? (writeandgetpaid.wordpress.com)
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Remember these?

Far removed from the days of typewriters, writers are faced with distractions right in front of their face as they write. The Internet.

As you are reading this right now, I bet many of you have multiple tabs or windows open in your browser.

Besides this one, I have eight other tabs open. Eight. Why?  I don’t know. I don’t want to miss out. I want to jump back and forth when there is an uncomfortable pause. Maybe an excuse to procrastinate. Let me check Facebook one more time.

Hold on…

Okay. Now, I only have this one open. Time to focus. I am quite sure I am not the only one that works this way. Many of us have SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome) in this digital age. We have to check our phones, our social media sites, the news, our tablets, and our email. Many, many times throughout the day. It is like our mind is not allowed to focus on one thing for more than five minutes.

Try it. For five minutes, stop multi-tasking.

Hard, isn’t it?

As a writer, this makes it difficult to get any writing done. It seems I can never get past the “research stage.” Well, when I am productive, I have learned some things that have helped.  Although I don’t stick to these things as I should, I am aware that they work.

1. Write when you first wake up.  

This is one of the most challenging. Because after eight hours in a restful sleep, the whole world went on without us. We HAVE to check our email and Facebook in case we missed something. I mean 8 hours is a LONG time to be away from electronic media. What if Kim Kardashian got married again or your ex-boyfriend emailed you wanting you back? Skip it – get to writing.

2. Disconnect.

This is another challenge. What do you mean, “disconnect?” Like the Internet, my smart phone? Yes. Use a blank screen. Remember Microsoft Word? Yep, you can still use it to type your ideas. For those who have wireless, this may be more difficult, but you actually can turn off the Internet. I know, shocking.

3. Only write when you are in the mood.

I don’t mean that you have to feel overwhelmed with creativity. We all know that inspiration comes when it is well and ready. However, you should be in the mood to sit down and put down your thoughts. All it takes is an idea. Your fingers will take it from there. Accomplishing things works so much better when you are in the mood for it.

4. Don’t neglect the rest of life.

When you stare at a computer screen all day, writing does not become easier. Sometimes, it can be counterproductive. Go for a walk, or a run, call a friend, read a book, watch the news. Go be social. Don’t get lazy and become a recluse. You still have to leave your house, pay your bills, and buy groceries.

5. Don’t stress about it.

I know many successful writers will tell you that you should write everyday. And maybe you should.  But there will be days you just don’t feel like it. Or you are busy with other things. For those who own a blog, this adds to the stress. You may think, Google will punish me if I don’t write in my blog everyday. Probably not. Don’t neglect it for weeks, but if you miss a couple days of writing, don’t stress. And remember, it doesn’t always have to be a masterpiece! Hakuna Matada.  Um, that dates me.

 It really is amazing at the results you will get when you try some (or all) of these tricks. All writers have their secrets of success. These are just mine. Find ones that work for you and follow them. As often as you can.

Related articles

• The productive writer… (andimarquette.com) Oh, yes!  Another productive tip – set goals.
• Not writer’s block, it’s an abduction! (lindacassidylewis.com) Yes, we all have days we rather being doing something else.
• Four Smart Writers to Learn from Today! (writeandgetpaid.wordpress.com). Listen to what successful writers and bloggers have to say about being a professional writer.
• How to Squeeze Writing Inspiration from a Stone (inspiredtowrite.com) Yes, more ways to get inspired when you want more than just a “writing session.”

Once you find good clients, the goal is to keep them. This seems obvious, but sometimes by raising your rates, you may lose even your best clients. But you can’t stay at the same rate forever if you want to maintain a freelance writing career. How do you raise your rates without scaring off your clients?

When just starting out, many freelance writers set their rates too low. I know I did. It could be fear or lack of confidence or just not knowing what to charge. After a while, you realize you are just not getting ahead and most of you spend most of your day writing with little in return for your time. No matter who you are, your time is valuable. Life is short. And quality writing takes time.

You may be more comfortable sticking with your current rates than telling your clients that your prices are going up. Again, fear and lack of self-confidence can rear its head again.  If they value your writing, a small increase should not scare your clients. But take these tips into consideration when you decide to break the news.

1. Be Honest!

It is amazing how the truth is the most impressive reason for raising your rates. Tell your client that since you began your career, you have developed as a writer. Mention that you are getting more clients and it is time to focus on the jobs that provide the most effective use of your time. Maybe you are more established in the market now, or have learned additional skills you can bring to the table. Your clients will appreciate your honesty. This is a business, not personal, and there really is no need to apologize for increasing your prices.

2. Give Current Clients Plenty Of Notice

When you plan to raise your rates, give your current clients a heads up so they are not caught by surprise. Send out an email and let them know you will be raising your rates in the near future.  Give them an opportunity to place an order before the increase using a “Buy Now” offer at your lower rate.

3. Have Confidence In Your Writing Skills

As I prepare for book, Calling All Freelance Writers, I have learned that the biggest thing that holds people back from charging more is the lack of confidence in their skills. The key is to find customers that understand the value of quality writing. This is even more true with Google chasing down all the content mills and poor quality websites. If you believe you are worth more than $15 an article, than don’t be afraid to ask.

4. Be Aware that you May Lose Clients and That it’s Okay. 

The good news is that many of your clients will understand and if you have proven yourself, they will stay with you even after you raise your rates. There will probably be a few who just can’t afford it. Don’t stress! Remember, even if you’re only raising your rates by a couple of cents per word, it still means earning the same amount of money for less work. You can afford to lose a few clients if you are charging more for your writing. In the end, you want the clients who can afford to pay.

As long as you communicate with your customers, are honest with them upfront, they can afford to pay for content, and they like your work, increasing your prices should not be an issue. If you are hesitating to send over that email to your clients: don’t! Remember, most will see the value in your work and continue to work with you.

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When writing motivation is not there, writing articles can sometimes be a laborious task you avoid. If inspiration has not pulled up next to you as you sit down and write, facing a blank screen seems like a chore.

When you are a web owner or a freelance writer, creating web content is going to be a part of your life. You may write articles for your blog, guest posts, content sites, or magazines, or clients. You may also write using other various article marketing tactics.

What are some ways to succeed with article writing?

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Today’s writing tips are a collection of quotes from some of the world’s most successful writers. Get inspired!

Editor’s Note:  This is a guest post from Melissa Cameron.  As someone who works from home, I know how important it is to have a comfortable work station. Melissa is currently writing a series of articles on back pain and the importance of developing an ergonomic work space with the help of a Chiropractor in Sacramento, CA. Please read more about Melissa in the bio footer.

Working at a desk for hours upon hours per day can cause a lot of unnecessary stress in several parts of your body. Bad posture, lack of the “right” equipment, and other incorrect ergonomic information can all contribute to this. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the things to keep in mind to ensure that you are not hurting your body while at your work station.

Existing Ergonomic Information

As a general rule of thumb, try to avoid following any existing ergonomic guidelines found on the Internet unless they are backed by scientific evidence or stated by a professional. Proper ergonomics should be based on research, experimentation, and fact- not guesses. There is tons of unreliable information on the Internet today so make sure that you aren’t following any plain old, random advice.

Remember that ergonomics should be personal to you- and they are a great alternative if you don’t want to go to a back pain specialist. For example, a technique that works well for you may not work so well for someone else (and vice versa). Take what works and use it and throw away what doesn’t work.

Setting Up Your Work Station

Try not to settle for a desk that doesn’t offer some kind of keyboard tray. At the very least, make sure that there is something keeping the height and angle of your keyboard positioned correctly. If your employer complains about how much this may cost, ask them to compare it to the cost of Worker Comp. That generally changes their point of view on the matter. Here are some other things to consider while you are sitting at your work station:

• Don’t place the keyboard on top of your desk
• Don’t position your monitor so that it sits above your head
• Don’t sit in an upright or rigid position
• Don’t lean forward to get things done, sit naturally.

Move around whenever possible. Sitting down for extended periods of time without moving can lead to serious spinal problems. Frequent breaks are encouraged. Not only does it help you physically, but breaks can help you stay awake and be more productive.

Four Areas to Regulate

When it comes to ergonomic guidelines, there are four areas of your workstation which need to be adjusted: the chair, keyboard, monitor, and lighting/environment. Setting up these elements while staying within the guidelines of proper ergonomics, as well as keeping proper posture, will prevent injuries due to physical stress and help you work much more efficiently.

1. The Monitor

First and foremost, position your monitor in an area which minimizes the amount of glare from lighting and windows. Keeps it as far away as you possibly can while still being able to read the words on your screen without forcing it. At the very minimum, keep the distance to at least over 20 inches. Position your screen so that it is at a 15 degree angle down from your eyes. You neck should only be slightly bent when you are trying to view the screen. Finally, align your keyboard and mouse with your monitor.

2. Lighting

The lighting around your work station should be relatively bright. Find a happy medium. Make it as bright as possible but not so much that you need sun glasses to function. When you are doing computer work, don’t use task lighting. If you want to reduce flicker, try mixing fluorescent lights with incandescent ones.

3. The Keyboard

Position your keyboard a little lower than your elbow and at an angle which allows your wrists to remain straight while you are typing (and sitting in a reclined posture). Never use a wrist rest while you are working. This can do more damage than good. Free your hands from any supports while you are typing.

Next, never tilt your keyboard tray so that the back end of the keyboard is higher up than the front of it. There is a common misconception that positioning your keyboard this way is the proper route to take. The truth is that the opposite set-up is encouraged to keep your wrists from becoming injured later on down the road.

4. The Chair

If possible, use arm rests. Place some kind of lumbar support system which is a little lower than your waist line. Make sure that your feet are completely on the floor by adjusting the height of your chair. Allow about 4 inches of space between the back of your knees and the edge of your seat. Finally, use high back chair supports for your shoulder blades.

Related articles

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Editor’s Note:  This is a guest post from Maria Rainer.  Please read more about Maria in the bio footer.

In today’s harsh economic atmosphere, our society has become (not unreasonably) preoccupied with our careers or potential careers. Where college was once a place that fostered education for the sake of education, many schools and degree programs have become more focused on occupational training.

Degrees have become the first step in attaining our dream careers. This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing; it’s just the way society has been heading. As new students enter the world of higher education, they strive to choose a major that will properly prepare them for their desired career.

While some careers match up with their majors pretty clearly, not all are as clean cut. I am a firm believer that you should study the subject that interests and inspires you most in college. However, if you know that you wish to be a professional writer after you graduate, there are several specific majors that may prepare you more thoroughly for the position you wish to obtain in the future.

1. Major in English

Obviously, English is one of the most popular majors among aspiring writers. Regardless of the type of writing you wish to do in the future, the English major will provide all of the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

While actual writing experience is a huge advantage for writing hopefuls, the critical thinking and researching skills obtained with an English degree is also endlessly useful. English majors will read, write, and evaluate text over and over again. This regular practice and honing in on writing skills provides a wonderful background for a powerful career in writing.

2. Major in Communications

A degree in communications can lead to a career in many different areas of the professional world. For those wishing to pursue a career in technical writing or copywriting, a communications degree may be extremely useful.

The communications major educates students in the classic study of rhetoric, teaching them to read and respond to their audience. Most Communication programs seek to instill careful and thoughtful reading in students.

This major will help you gain perspective on various texts of all different contexts. This general skill is essential to freelance and professional writing. You must be able to read your audience and social context in order to create the most appropriate and successful material.

3. Major in Creative Writing

For individuals wishing to pursue a career as a poet or fiction writer, Creative Writing is an obvious degree choice. Though not all programs have a dedicated major for Creative Writing, many do and others offer it as a concentration within the English major.

In a Creative Writing degree program, students learn to master the use of creative language and creative plot structure. This program will foster new avenues for creative inspiration and motivation, as well as ample practice in editing and meeting deadlines.

Receiving and responding to feedback on your writing is one of the most important and challenging aspects of being a writer. In a Creative Writing major, you will receive constant feedback on your work from both professors and peers. This is wonderful practice for after graduation.

There are a few other degrees that will help you with your writing career, including Journalism if you want to get into magazine or investigative writing,. A degree in advertising or marketing will be useful if you decide to go into copywriting. While a degree is not necessary to become a professional writer, it can help you learn more about your field and give you a valuable education that will help you throughout your career.

Inspire! (Image by Leonard John Matthews)

When writer’s block strikes, there are plenty of practical techniques to tap into when you are looking for blog content. I am sure you have seen dozens of blog posts on writer’s block, including a few on Inspired to Write.

Some of these methods include: using writing prompts, providing a top ten list, writing “a best of” piece, publishing guest posts,  writing exercises, content curation, and even looking at Google Trends.

Yes, these are good ways to come up with ideas for material. But what if you want more than just content filler?

What if you are looking for something that inspires you and your readers?

It happens to most of us at some point. Lack of inspiration. You crave for a time when flooded thoughts forced you to sit and type or write in a journal before the ideas escaped you. When something in your world grabs you by the heart and compels you to transform the inspiration into words. Those are the days writers long for.

Today, there are plenty of blogs that are filled with content that is solely derived from article spinners and syndication submissions. The owner of the blog never even writes his or her own original content. I guess the point is to get more backlinks and improve SEO. I am not sure if this is really effective. I have used these syndication networks, and I am surprised at how many of these blogs are in existence.

We are no longer writing for people, but for search engines.

Writing a blog is not just about putting up content to fill the gap. Sure, there will be days you have to turn to these gap fillers. But as a blogger, inspiration leads to the intimate posts that turn readers into subscribers. Inspiring posts create a connection with your readers. Wasn’t that the original intention of blogs?

Recently, I wrote a post about how NFL quarterback Tim Tebow inspires others. Whether you like American football or not, this guy inspires on so many levels. Whether it is a person, a place, a sunset, or the words of another, we all want inspiration. Writers NEED it.

As a writer, inspiration is a critical part of going from average to great. Inspiration motivates you to write more and fill up pages with words you hope alter people’s perceptions. Inspiration keeps you going when you have run out of steam.

But sometimes, finding inspiration is like squeezing water from a stone.

It is not a fun place to be, and discovering new inspiration becomes a creative mission. Besides all the practical ideas for finding writing inspiration, I think there are a few others worth mentioning.

1. Tell others what inspires you.

Sometimes we have to just shake up the words in our head and speak them aloud to others. Get a conversation going about anything that inspires you. This may be a vacation, your church, a motivational speaker, a book. Eventually, you will want to run home and write the stuff down.

2. Read about someone who has impacted the world.

There have been plenty of times I was in a “blah” mood and needed someone’s actions in the world to impress me. Reading about someone who has made a lasting difference, impacted the world, or even influenced people on a smaller scale produces positive feelings. For the most part, we are more motivated by positive things than negative.

3. Watch something inspiring.

This time of year, all the holiday movies and Christmas TV shows are airing on television. How can you not be inspired when you watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street”?  Even if it is not that time of year, find something that can inspire you. Watch a documentary about someone who made their dreams come true and pushed through rough patches only to persevere. Watch a travel channel about a place that inspires you to visit. Chances are you’ll find something that you can relate to.

4. Watch the news.

I understand that much of what is playing on the news is depressing and can actually fuel the uninspired more. But occasionally, your mind just needs a break from reading or the computer or electronic gadgets. Our minds need to play spectator once in a while in order to recharge. Other times, even the negative stories can get the juices flowing in your mind. Often just the thinking process, positive or negative, inspires you to write. The news can often inspire provocative and timely content ideas.

5.  Read an inspiring quote or message. 

I can’t tell you how many times I have read a simple quote or passage and been inspired to expand on it. In your writing, share how it impacts you and how it has motivated you to make a change in your life.  Spark conversation on your blog and ask others what quotes inspire them.

6. Communicate with others in your field.

I don’t know a lot of writers in person. I hope to change that with a couple of writers conferences I am attending next year. Not many people understand what it is like to live the life of a writer. It is not glamorous, it often means spending time alone, the pay is not real steady, and your job requires a constant state of ideas flowing from your head onto paper. Having other writers in your world can help you feel a little bit more sane and justified.

We live in a fast-paced world of instant gratification and minimal role models. Finding inspiration is not always easy. If you are a blog owner, there are millions of other blogs to compete with. Quality content is becoming more and more important on the Internet.

When you are in a rut, take a few moments and look around you for inspiration. Take some of these steps to loosen the ideas that are buried under boredom or monotony. Keep a notebook handy so when inspiration strikes, you can jot those ideas down!

Question: What do you do when you are seeking inspiration?

Discouragement with a side order of doubt is often on the menu of a writer who hasn’t found her way yet. There are days when everything seems to be working against you – no clients, too many clients, or a simple lack of inspiration. Maybe as a fledgling writer, you have felt like giving up. No one is reading your work or inspired by your thoughts. Are you even making a difference in the world?

I love football. I have for a long time. And in 1999, I jumped on the Denver Broncos bandwagon. Even though I am a Chicago Bears fan to the core, the Broncos had just won two Superbowls in a row. A lot of credit going to the quarterback – John Elway. I am sure I am not the only one who jumped on that bandwagon, seat belt tight, ready for the next season.

Now I live in Colorado, which makes it more logical to be a Denver fan.

Being a Bears fans first and a Broncos fan second this last Sunday meant a bittersweet ending for me.  The Bears lost to the Broncos. Once again, much of the credit is going to the quarterback. Where saving the game at the last minute is apparently in his playbook.

Unless you have not turned on ESPN for more than 4 minutes this last couple months, you are well aware the talk of the NFL is Tim Tebow. Tebowmania is in full swing. It makes some people a bit more positive and leaves others nauseated.

Tim Tebow Inspires

He changed the face of the Broncos literally, and figuratively. They were a losing team, and the rookie quarterback, Tim Tebow, brought them back by helping them win seven games in a row. The whole team has come together as a unit and beat my Bears in overtime, with an amazing 59 yard field goal. Bittersweet.

Yes, I have tightened my seatbelt even tighter. But now, the bandwagon is even more crowded. Even if you are not a fan of the NFL, you can still find inspiration in Tebow.

Tebow leads the team. He  pulled them out of a losing record and put them on the track to the playoffs. He inspires. Not only because of the winning streak, but Tebow gives hope to the team. He gives hope to Denver and the NFL. He gives hope to Americans, even those who don’t even watch football. He inspires me – to work harder, be a better Christian, eat healthier, work out more. To follow my dreams.

With all the not-so-admirable behavior in the media surrounding professional athletes and celebrities, it is refreshing to see a positive influence. Tebow is a mentor to many. Not only is he a positive influence as a football player, but he is an unwavering Christian, and that passion translates to his foundation, where he gives back to the community. The guy’s got heart. His charming smile and openness to the media make it easy to like the guy.

Yet some people still hate the man. They mock his open displays of prayer and gratefulness to God. Yet, he does not let that stop him. Not even close. He is focused and keeps on training for what he loves to do. Win football games.

Translating Hope and Inspiration in Your Life

Why am I sharing this with you? I have been a writer for a long time, but have only shared my thoughts publicly since 2007, while I was in Iraq. I realize my writing has improved since then, but that is not the point. Soon after, I started writing for money.

Back then, I was just like Tebow, leaving one life behind and starting another one. I was moving up to the pros – a rookie in the blogging and professional writing world. Filled with hope and aspirations. Understanding what is important.

I started this blog because I wanted to inspire and help others whatever their journey may be. When I changed the title to Inspired to Write, that was my intention and mission statement.

I know what it feels like to go against the grain and go with what you love, not what pays the most. I understand what is means to take the chance and do something outside of the norm. Even while people doubt you. I get what it means to put sweat, tears, and long hours into something you believe in, regardless of the skeptics and naysayers.

Whether you are a writer, a singer, an entrepreneur, or a football player, if you love what you do, it is important you give it all you got. I wanted this blog to help others find that hope in following their dreams – no matter what the odds.

I lost sight of that over the years, and the writing has become about work. Making money. Getting out blog posts to keep my readers. Writing about things I don’t have a passion for. Worrying about SEO rankings and my competition.

Isn’t that what happens to NFL players a few years after college?  They lose the love of the game. Instead, they demand more money, their ego’s blow up, they play dirty, and start fights on the field with other players. The love of football is no longer the motivating factor. Money gets the best, or the worst, of them. Self-righteousness overpowers their sportsmanship. Bad attitudes erupt. They forget what is important. They lose inspiration.

This is why Tebow inspires – he still loves the game. And people love him. He has a positive attitude, and is not out partying or getting into trouble with the law in between games. He gives glory to God, leads his team, and loves his family. And he is one heck of a player.

I hope as he progresses in his career, Tim will never lose sight of that. I hope he always remembers when he was bright-eyed and ready to conquer the world. For the love of the game.

While there are Tebow haters, the same happens to others who are successful. Or anyone who does things different than everyone else. Or gets too much positive attention. I think it stems from fear, jealousy, and anger. Or something even more petty.

As someone with your own dreams and hopes, don’t let those people discourage you on your journey – whatever dreams you may be following. Even if those dreams seem out of reach. When people question your success or envy it, you have to keep your eye on the ball. Push yourself to rise above the doubts and uncertainty because it is your passion. Keep that faith and remember why you had that dream to begin with.

For the love of it. Simply, for the love of it.