“I like the word gumption because it’s so homely and so forlorn and so out of style it looks as if it needs a friend.” – Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Many writers, particularly those just starting out, believe that talent paired with desire are the one-two punch required to be a successful writer. Both are vital traits for a successful writing career, but one key concept is missing. Gumption. Screenwriter turned psychologist Dennis Palumbo describes gumption as the “sustained, meaningful, and concerted effort required to write.” In other words, it has to do with determination and the thrill of doing. Gumption can be undermined by negative thoughts and emotions, not fueled by them. Here are a few emotional blocks to gumption (gumption traps) that you can look for in your own process, and  try to avoid:

Ego Alert: When the writer believes that he or she has nothing more to learn.
 -Action step: Take classes, read a book on writing, or help a friend with a project that takes you out of your comfort zone.
Boredom Alert: A side effect of not seeing your material in fresh (new) light.
 -Action step: Keep things interesting. Within your pages, changing locations, weather, even a change in the gender of characters, might reinvigorate your imagination.
Impatience Alert: Comes from underestimating the time it takes to complete the task.
 -Action step: Give yourself a realistic timeline to complete smaller goals.