Great writers are mental athletes — thoughts (13)

One of the great advantages of being a writer is that you can start late. Unlike physical athletes, whose trajectories are tightly bound to the limits of their bodies, writers are mental athletes. Your progress depends on clarity of mind and thought, and as long as you can sustain that, you still have a real chance.

I believe writers are mental athletes because the work demands the same qualities: discipline, sharp focus, precise vision, sustained consistency, and the drive to keep going longer than everyone else. Keep in mind, we’re talking about greatness here.

This is also why any writer who intends to be great for a sustained period (especially in this day and age) must care for their physical health. When your body is fit, your mind is better equipped to perform at its highest level.