I was in a writing class and when I was prompted on how I write and I said, “Well, sometimes it’s like trial by fire.”

My professor looked shocked. I said, “You’ve never heard that expression?”

Since then, I had to do some research, because after that I wasn’t even sure if I knew what that meant. I thought it boiled down to being tested, writing essays for finals, stretched to your limits and making the grade.

The Free Dictionary online defines trial by fire as “a test of one’s abilities, especially the ability to perform well under pressure.”

That sums me up. Some of my best work is done under pressure and against a deadline but I usually have a plan before I execute.

I am a huge planner and I try to stay ahead as much as possible and I try to mentally and physically diagram my plans and thoughts before they get away from me. That can be a fulltime job.

Pushing for excellence is the difference between good and great – not being satisfied with the average and having to do it better or best.

Finding focus and the dedication to excel requires planning and staying ahead as well as staying conscious of deadlines.

I made Honor Roll last semester with a 4.0. I would like to keep it that way but those grades aren’t going to make themselves. I have to remember the sacrifice needed to be a great student.

One of the biggest challenges I am facing lately is switching modes, balancing working and relaxing using a mental transition so that I can find my zone.

Some days I come home from school or work to study yet others I find myself sifting through distractions, noisy neighbors, fighting fatigue and searching for passion.

As Ernest Hemmingway said, “There is no rule on how to write.  Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly, sometimes it’s like drilling rock and then blasting it with charges.”

I couldn’t agree more. I love writing work people like to read. I find that it is perhaps my greatest reward, other than As from my professors and approval from my peers.

I hope everyone has been enjoying our articles so far – not just from me but from the entire Stylus staff.  Please don’t hesitate to drop us a line regardless of nature because we would love to hear from our readers, for what else would we be writing for?