Above photo has over 7000 views and over 240 plus ones…viral, but who cares
I have a confession to make. I don’t write enough. Who cares? Well if your a writer like me, it matters. Why should you expect brilliance in any field without practice.
None of us do.
Maybe you’re like me and you treat your writing, or art the same way. It won’t make you a better writer, or artist to wait for some inspiration or find a magical place to practice to hone your craft.
I’m also a photographer. I wanted to become a better photographer this year. So I made a decision to shoot everyday.
My camera of choice was my iPhone.Yes. I have a professional DSLR, but it’s not with me everyday, my iPhone is. What? Are you serious Troy? Using your iPhone to become a better photographer. Yes. In fact it takes great photos.
The magic always happens behind the lens, it’s the person who’s taking the shot that matters, not the tool.
Have you treated your writing the same way, and thought, if I have better tools, new laptop, better computer or another software problem I’ll be a better writer. I’ve thought the same way about photography and writing. It’s bunk. Stop now.
Make a commitment to write everyday. Make the commitment public. This traps you into doing it. Hey nothing like a little peer pressure. I can hear the “buts” right now. Kill the “buts” and make the commitment. Also, give yourself grace when you miss day. Just get up and start over again.
Make a commitment to become a better writer, by practicing everyday, making your work public and shipping it. Excuses are killed on the alter of consistency. Show up and do the work.
So each day I take a photo and post it online, on my Google+ page. Each day come rain or shine, early or late, sick or not, I shoot a photo. Yes, some are clunkers, most are not, and some are pretty good.
I shoot more good ones now, just because I practice the craft everyday. You say that’s easy Troy. Some days yes, others no. Try to do something everyday for over 200 days and you’ll see, it’s work, but it’s worth it.
What does this have to do with going viral? Well, you can luck into viral. That’s for sure, and if anyone tells or sells you a formula on how, run away.
Your best chance of going viral. Show up each day, work, practice and put your work out there. And here’s the other thing. It’s not about going viral. It won’t change your life one iota.
Be brave.
Be consistent.
Practice.
Give others what you’ve got. As my good friend Josh Collins says “it’s up to you to plant and cultivate the seeds, you’re not responsible for the harvest.”