1) The Illusion of Entitlement

Being part of the Dallas Cowboys comes with significant advantages, such as lucrative endorsements and high-profile games. However, the reality is that players still need to perform on the field. The Cowboys have a reputation for underachieving, often failing to prepare when it counts the most. Similarly, some writers exhibit a sense of entitlement. Just because you once earned a substantial income from freelancing doesn't guarantee future success. Consistent effort is essential; the past doesn't dictate your current worth.

2) A Strong Brand Without Substance

As the wealthiest sports franchise globally, the Dallas Cowboys boast an impressive valuation of $9.2 billion. Yet, this doesn't mean much if they haven't reached the Super Bowl in decades. Some writers mirror this scenario, focusing on branding rather than the craft itself. These individuals often promote overpriced courses on achieving financial independence, perpetuating the myth that it's easily attainable. The unfortunate truth is that many of these so-called writers lack genuine talent and instead excel at exploiting the dreams of aspiring authors.

3) The Trap of Nostalgia

There was a time when the Dallas Cowboys consistently made playoff appearances and claimed five Super Bowl titles. Regrettably, those days are long gone, and a revival seems unlikely. Writers can fall into a similar trap, reminiscing about their past successes on Medium while failing to adapt to changes in the landscape. Many boast inflated egos, and their self-help rhetoric can feel off-putting. Instead of evolving, they chase the latest trend, hopping to platforms like Substack without engaging with their readers. If they invested time in building genuine connections, they might navigate changes more successfully.

4) The Absence of Resilience

Pursuing a writing career can be challenging, but it's often less demanding than many other professions. I'd choose writing in an office over labor-intensive jobs any day. Life will always present obstacles, and the key is to persevere. Don't be like the Cowboys, who falter in crucial playoff moments after making a few errors. Their recent playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers still stings, but it serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward despite setbacks.

5) Failing to Learn from Errors

Mistakes are a natural part of being human, but what distinguishes successful individuals is their ability to learn from these missteps. The Cowboys have struggled to adapt their strategy, particularly in stopping the run over the last three seasons. Making basic adjustments should be straightforward; after all, football isn't rocket science. Writers, too, must take stock of their performance. If engagement is lacking, it’s time to reassess your approach. Experimenting with different strategies could yield better results—continuing the same habits without change won't lead to improvement.

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I hope these insights provide valuable lessons. In essence, strive not to emulate the Dallas Cowboys.