Be a Real _____

My friend Kelly Meloy wrote an interesting and thoughtful piece asking, “Are you a REAL (fill in the blank)?” Thought he made a great point -  doers do their craft. Don’t hold yourself back.

You should go ahead and read Kelly’s piece below first.

I disagreed with him a little over his final line, “if you get paid…” then you are REAL professional. Getting paid is NOT the right judge if you are an artist, athlete or a professional.

Have not made a lot of money from writing books, but the quality of my work is professional. My writing skills are used on my paid profession. Are you any less of a professional if you give away work to a charity? The time and materials are still tax deductible.

It is the quality and effort you put into your work that makes you a professional. The pay and/or rewards come later. Rewards are not always cash.

To be one, get started now. Act like you are already the real craftsman or artist you desire to be. Be the artist or athlete. Fake it until you make it. It won’t be announced when the day comes. Later realize you already crossed the line by being one first.

Get REAL!

By Kelly Meloy

Are you a REAL (fill in the blank)?

REAL Artists make art

REAL Cartoonists cartoon

REAL Photographers direct and capture Images

REAL Writers write

REAL Hikers hike

REAL Skaters skate

REAL Sculptors sculpt

REAL Musicians play music

REAL Composers compose

REAL Singers sing

If you get paid then you’re a professional REAL (fill in the blank).