Writers, Beware Comparisons: Don’t De-value Your Writing or Yourself

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Writers, Beware Comparisons: Don’t De-value Your Writing or Yourself

By Deb Gallardo

I’ve mentioned Suzanne Lieurance’s Morning Nudge enewsletter in a previous post. Recently Suzanne mentioned The Story Ideas Virtuoso on her blog. You could say she and I have a “mutual admiration society” thing going on here, but it’s genuine.

Today’s issue of “The Morning Nudge” nudged me to take another look at how I view myself in comparison to others, both as a writer and as a human being. It’s so easy, when you have high expectations for yourself — particularly if you are a perfectionist — to look at the success of others and to then feel you’re somehow inferior because you don’t have the same achievements. If so, it’s time to put those self-expectations into perspective.

So you’re not John Grisham or Danielle Steele. So you’ve “only” published one short story or a handful of articles. So you’ve got a blog but no “real” website. The truth is, you have MUCH to celebrate about what you HAVE accomplished, not just what you haven’t yet achieved.

Suzanne Lieurance’s take on this is too important to paraphrase:

“…if truth be told, there are millions of people the world over who would LOVE to have your life.

Spend some time at the end of this day writing about all you are thankful for in your life.

If you do, suddenly many more writing ideas will pop into your head, and you will realize all you have to be happy about.

Thankfulness is a gift in itself…”

Much more powerful than just saying, “Count your blessings.” That’s the power of words. And tailor-made not only for writers but for anyone who is aiming high and still short of the mark.

Focus and celebrate WHAT YOU HAVE, not WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE.

So get in there and put some of your own powerful words on paper or on your computer screen.

If you need help jump-starting your writing, Suzanne’s Morning Nudge enewsletter may be just what you need. It’s always brief and to the point - - one email I ALWAYS READ, because each weekday issue is sure to contain a tip or words of inspiration to “nudge” me to get some actual writing done that day. To get a daily writing nudge of your own, go here, where you will find in the top right corner a place to subscribe. In return, you will receive a free ebook from Suzanne, entitled “Get Your Freelance Writing Career Off the Ground.” Give yourself a FREE GIFT for the holidays. No guilt! LOL

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