"Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people…" Randy Pausch

I love the above quote, in fact it's headed my goals list for the past two years. If you're not familiar with Randy and his inspirational story and attitude to his (short) life, check out The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch, 2008. Hatchette. ISBN 9780733623318. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

But it's this quote that made me think about the difference between those who do and those who talk about it. So what's the difference between a hobbyist and a professional? I know you're thinking 'contract', right? 

Wrong.

It's showing up, aka Attitude. A professional is one who acts like one; who has a 'get it done' attitude; who doesn't find excuses and create barriers to getting the work done.

I admit it's not easy being an author. But I bet there are doctors who think this same thing every day. And horticulturalists. And teachers. And painters… Getting the picture? Every profession has its challenges, but I can't think of one where 'not turning up' is an option. To get ahead, to survive, to flourish, no matter what profession you're a part of, you must do the hard yards, put in the time. Consistently turn up to your office on time -  be that a garden, worksite or classroom  - every day.  Yet so many authors or would be authors find every excuse not to turn up. Lack of time is the biggy, but like Randy says, if we want it badly enough we have to work through the barriers.

Only you know what your barriers are, and only you know how to challenge those barriers. My barrier was letting my family issues take my energy and focus. Even though I have been a working, published author for more than fifteen years, I was still not completely turning up ready for work every day.  I let people steal my time. I was too available instead of being a little bit (or a lot) selfish.  And I overestimated my importance in solving everyone's problems. Surprise, surprise, life can move on qite smoothly without me directing all the traffic.

I have to say reading Randy Pausch's book helped enormously in getting to this point.  Here was a young man facing death, who was reviewing his life and it made me think of mine and the precariousness of  this whole 'life' deal.  I was being given a lot more chances that he was, and yet he was still so positive. I was humbled and I knew in a flash that I didn't want to get older and have regrets. I wanted to know that I'd given my career every chance within my power. I didn't want to end my life knowing I only played till half time and then went home. I didn't want my talent falling by the wayside…

So, I identified my barriers. And I changed my life and my attitude. And you know what? When you change your attitude, others will too. They'll take their clues from you.  Sure there'll be risks, but that's what being an author is all about - taking risks and putting yourself out there. But that's okay, because that's what professionals do. They turn up. They commit. They take risks and out themselves 'out there'.  And that's all it takes.

Are you a professional? Or a hobbyist? What are your barriers. Can you identify them? Maybe you're your own barrier.  It happens more often than you'd imagine.

Whatever it is, or they are, I wish you luck in knocking down those brick walls and forging through.  Good luck and see you on the other side!