This photo is by Laffy4K
When I consider freelancing, I think about “The White Shadow,” a television show from the late 70s. Ken Howard starred as the white coach of an inner-city high school basketball team.
In the episode I remember, “The Death of Me Yet,” the team’s star is killed during a hold-up. The coach reaches out to the younger brother, who is alone in the gym. He can handle the pain, as long as he keeps putting the ball through the hoop.
Remembering that phrase “Keep putting the ball through the hoop,” helps me handle distractions. And Lord knows, there are many.
A promise given at 9 a.m. is broken by noon. (Keep putting the ball through the hoop)
The newspapers that used to buy my stories are laying off employees. (Keep putting the ball through the hoop)
The magazine that does buy my stories has cut my per-word rate. (Keep putting the ball through the hoop)
I’m creating podcasts and slideshows for love, not money. (Keep putting the ball through the hoop)
Keep sending out letters. Keep coming up with ideas. Keep pitching projects. Keep putting that ball through the hoop.
Over and over again.
