When Does a Physician Become a Writer?

I didn’t become a writer when I started my blog.

I didn’t become a writer after my 50th blog post, my 100th blog post.

I didn’t become a writer after I got paid for my writing.

I didn’t become a writer after my 4th writing conference.

Nor did I become a writer after my 764th written contribution on the Mayo Clinic Social Media Network!

I became a writer the moment I said “I am a writer” and meant it.

Don’t wait for permission or external validation to say you are a writer—it may never come.

Instead, place your own stake in the ground and say out loud, “I am a writer.”

Then start writing. That’s the only thing that matters.

(That, and becoming a good writer!)