Comparison And Competition Will Hurt Your Writing
Art For Art's Sake: Part 12
"Other people's lives seem better than yours because you're comparing their director's cuts with your behind the scenes."
― Evan Rauch
Some years back, I came across a news article. It was about a 13-year-old girl who had published her first novel.
During this phase of my life, I was self-critical. So immediately, my brain went into hyper-mode, and I started an avalanche of negative self-talk.
"This 13-year-old girl wrote and published her novel while being in school. And here I am - a 22-year-old English Major graduate who is on a gap year to try her hand at writing novels - and I haven't even written a word. What the hell am I doing with my life?"
I remember spending the whole day with furrowed eyebrows, a gloomy head and a heavy heart. Least to say, I didn't do any writing that day.
Now, six years later, I realise how silly it was of me to compare myself to this girl.
I don't know the circumstances in which this girl found herself, which helped her write her book. I, at 13, was tackling year seven of family financial crunch, cranky grandmother and no friends. I had my hands (and mind) full.
She is running a completely different race and me, a different one. Her reasons and influences for becoming a writer will be completely different from mine. There was no point of base for comparison or competition. And yet, I wasted my day and mood just doing that.
Know this - No one is ahead of you, and you are not behind. Everyone, including you, are exactly where you're supposed to be.
The day I accepted this fact, I freed myself from unnecessary worry and negativity. I now know that everyone is doing their best with whatever they have. And everyone will reap their benefits when they are destined to.
Now when I see someone accomplish a writing goal, I celebrate them and encourage them more. And I use the success of my peers as a motivation to boost my relationship with my writing.
I don't care anymore who is doing better than me. I only care if I am doing better than I was doing yesterday.
When it comes to life and especially creative pursuits like writing, it's best to keep your mind free of any competition or comparison. You don't want to stall yourself even before you start.
"Comparison with myself brings improvement, comparison with others brings discontent."
― Betty Jamie Chung
More in the Art For Art’s Sake Series -
Your Job As A Writer Is To Write
To Build Your Writing Career, Start Small.
What Does It Mean To “Trust The Process?”
Consistency Will Help You Make A Breakthrough
You Must Stay Persistent With Your Creative Journey
Deliberate Practice Is The Key To Master The Craft Of Writing
Go Low, Slow And Steady. And You’ll Reach Your Writing Milestones Quicker.
Treat Your Art As An Experiment
If You Are Not Having Fun While Creating, You’re Doing It Wrong
Contrary To Popular Belief, Write For Yourself First
Comparison And Competition Will Hurt Your Writing
Rest Is Your Answer To A Productive Writing Session
Let Curiosity Lead Your Writing - And 2 Ways Of Doing It
You Need To Have Faith And Let Your Words Flow
Always Move On To Your Next Writing Project
Once You Choose To Become A Writer, You Are One For Life.
You Already Are A Writer. You Just Have To Identify As One To Yourself.
