(Note: A 2020 updated version of this post can be found on Julie's website at http://www.julieeshbaugh.com/forwriters/2020/8/25/perseverance-for-writers) The Olympics are here! I’ve been watching a lot of the events on television, and no matter which sport I’m watching—cycling, gymnastics, swimming—I’m amazed at the level of accomplishment I see in these athletes.