The Super Bowl will be a big topic of conversation today. Whether you’re a football fan or not, you have to admit, it takes a lot of talent and skill for teams to battle their way to the Super Bowl and then win. It also takes something else—perseverance.

When a player is knocked down, he gets up. He does it again, and again. Twisted ankles and sprained wrists are wrapped and taped and the player goes back on the field to play even harder. Cuts and bruises are barely acknowledged. And, when they score a touchdown, those injuries are seemingly nonexistent—the players react with pure, raw joy in the accomplishment.

It’s the same for you and me. Talent and skill will make your road to writing success easier, but without perseverance, you won’t get the chance to experience that pure, raw joy in the accomplishment.

Receiving rejection letters? Get back out there. Didn’t get the assignment? Get back out there. Book panned by a critic? Get back out there.

If you keep getting up and stay in the game, you’re rewards will come. If you sit on the sidelines licking your wounds, they won’t. It’s just that simple.