When success eludes you, it's so easy to give up… unless you're committed. But if you're committed to being a professional speaker - doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes - then you will eventually succeed. But it won't happen if you quit.
Actually, this blunder comes courtesy of speaking legend Patricia Fripp (CSP, CPAE, Cavett recipient, etc.). I was talking with Fripp one time, and I asked her "Why do so many aspiring speakers fail to make it?"
Fripp didn't hesitate. "They quit too soon!"
Some aspiring speakers think that they're going to have overnight success. While that's possible, it's rather unlikely. And even if you do achieve "instant" success, you'll probably hit some potholes at one point or another in your career. When that happens, your overnight success vanishes… overnight.
When success eludes you, it's so easy to give up… unless you're committed. But if you're committed to being a professional speaker - doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes - then you will probably succeed... eventually.
But it won't happen if you quit.
Action Steps:
1. Remind yourself - frequently - of all the reasons why you want to be (or become) a professional speaker.
2. Write down how you would like to spend a typical day as a professional speaker. Clearly picturing it in your mind will help you to recommit to achieving your dreams.
3. Read biographies. (Or, even better, autobiographies.) Few successful people achieved overnight success. Reading about their commitment to their own successes will help fuel yours.