By Brenda W Hargroves
Expectations Can Sometimes Become Overwhelming – The outcome I imagined as the evolution of my writing career turned out totally different from expected. I envisioned my first book would become a best-selling novel, or at minimum, respected within the literary world. Talk about we plan, God laughs.
The reality? I wrote a manuscript which I soon learned was only the first draft. After a year of editing, I was ready to travel the road to publication – a journey I didn’t realize was so convoluted. You know what I mean. Long response times, rejection, more editing, more rejection and the beat goes on. A process that could take upwards of 2-3 years and could very well prove insurmountable. Another eyeopener – Writers are expected to continue honing their craft, as in works-in-progress or ideas for additional manuscripts. So much for my one-book-wonder dream.
As I was taking all this in, James Clear introduced me to “identity-based habits.” He explained a person develops these habits by not worrying about the results, but instead focusing on becoming the person who can successfully achieve the desired result or goal. One example he cited resonated with me. Clear said, “Rather than worrying about finishing a novel, focus on being the kind of person who writes every day.” He had me at ‘finishing a novel.’ This concept was a revelation. In order to progress as an accomplished author, I have to write every day.
My vision has since morphed from producing a single sensational novel to becoming an accomplished author. This is how my writing life now looks as a result of going all-in. I’m
researching potential agents and submitting queries for my first manuscript.
working on a second manuscript.
actively involved in writing groups.
writing and submitting short stories for publication.
publishing a blog and managing a Facebook page
Sound familiar?
The writing world, however, takes this idea a step further. Accomplished writers suggest that in order to become a successful author, one must not only write every day, one must also read every day.
Reining Them In – I thought I was keeping my head above water until I ran into this concept. Since reading my writing probably doesn’t count, the thought of adding another to the list of activities I’m already tackling was the straw… you know the rest.
Like most writers, I enjoy reading; however, with everything else I’m attempting to accomplish, I found myself starting a novel, but not finishing it. I recently renewed a library book so many times, the librarian informed me I had reached my limit and requested I return the book immediately. Reading had added a serious blow to my attempt to successfully manage imposed writing expectations.
Then I thought about it. How about addressing this task in a different way? Since I was having difficulty finishing a novel, why not try reading a short story instead? I would accomplish my writing expectations and, at the same time, take a much-needed daily breather.
So, what about you? Is it time to look at how well you’re meeting your writing journey expectations? Do you need to reconfigure in order to make the road more manageable?
This article considers addressing my revelation from a writing aspect, but the concept easily applies to personal goals. Are you managing your personal expectations in a way that leads to greater life satisfaction? I don’t know about you, but I’m working on this too!
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