I read a recent post by Johanna Harness about writing failures that is right on target. All of us, as we get older, give up more and focus on our failure and mistakes rather than on what we have learned.
When I approached my husband about learning Spanish, he groaned. My argument:
“Kids learn to walk, talk and drive. It just takes practice and with each new step you learn and improve.” He remained doubtful. So I rephrased the request. “ I will be learning Spanish, and you will pick it up by my usage.” That was satisfactory.
I was filled with self-doubt for years and still am to a degree. “I don’t have a great vocabulary.” “I write for Pre-Birth.” “I am too short to write a big novel.” The list of excuses continued. These are failings, which spawn self-doubt–the killer of creativity.
If people only knew their potential. We all have overcome tremendous obstacles – things we now take for granted. I guarantee, learning the alphabet or writing in cursive was at some point torture and frustrating to every single child. But we practiced. We learned, and we succeeded.
I will never be a Hemingway or Stephen King. Why would I want to be? I am unique, and am only striving to be me. I will be completing my first draft of “The Moldy Cheese” children’s book in September. Not for posterity, royalties or fame but because it is a goal I set for myself. This completion is a step among many, to the final purpose of publication.
The key is to not give up when failure slaps you in the face. Every obstacle and set back produces a positive lesson. If you focus on the negative, you start to doubt yourself and quitting is lurking around the corner. Don’t let it beat you. Go! Fight! Win!
Pop over to Johanna’s blog and read the post “Reflections on WD Interview“. It is inspiring!
