Do Your Own Work Well
When I walk into a book store, I get this overwhelming feeling of adventure. I’d like nothing more than to find a corner and read every single book there! Books can take me places I otherwise couldn’t go. I can learn from them and meet people with backgrounds much different than my own. I can make new friends or get angry with those who do wrong; and it doesn’t really matter since the frustration is toward someone I will never really meet or have to worry about offending! Book stores are, in a word: wonderful!
As a writer I long to see the books I’ve penned sitting proudly on the shelf. I dream of the day when I can walk into most any bookstore, unannounced and see my work displayed!
I read a piece recently about how, as writers we are inundated with immediate success stories from other authors. The question was asked if we ever feel just a twinge of jealousy when we have worked hard year after year and not seen the results someone else seems to have had overnight.
That question can be asked of many in the business world, as well as, any other profession. I know there are situations where a less qualified person gets a promotion over someone who has waited, worked, and been loyal to a business for many years, because of favoritism or a pay off or maybe even bribery. It’s hard not to be angry with something like that.
How should we deal with our emotions when we believe we’ve been treated unfairly or when someone else’s success seems so much easier than our own? Competition or comparison can be evil elements when we let them have power over our emotions and our ability to do a job well.
There are times when rejection can cause bitterness which can be debilitating. It causes us to lose sight of our own best abilities, so we only do enough to bet the job done, but not necessarily done well. Our efforts become ugly and gray as we strain to get past the knot in our stomach and pain in our hearts.
During times like these we should stop and reflect on what is important and prioritize so we can do the best we can, no matter what we are doing. We all have extraordinary abilities, even when we can’t seem to see them. Our spirit dulls under the effect of emotions, and the best of who we are gets hidden. So I contend when we reflect on our situation we need to know what it is we really want. If what we seemed to have lost through a negative experience, is what we really wanted, then perhaps we need to take another look at what we desire.
Re-evaluate your vision and work toward that goal with passion! Don’t give up on your dream because someone else doesn’t share it! Make the effort to work toward your dream even greater. Work outside your comfort zone by adjusting your attitude to totally positive, no matter what boulders seem to fall in your path. Remain close to those who do believe in you and most of all believe in yourself and your dream.
I challenge you to refocus on your goals and remember that success is defined differently by different people. As long as you are doing what makes you happy, content and productive, then let the naysayers have their day. One day you will also have yours!
Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244672192225281180/