The grass is always greener on the other side, even in the writing world. We look at other writers and think, I wish I was there already.
Those working on their first drafts wish their wips were polished.
Those with polished manuscripts wish their queries were perfect.
The unagented wish they had agents.
The agented wish they had a book deal.
The published wish they had higher sales.
Best-selling authors wish they had a movie deal.
Round and round it goes.
With the right attitude, this can work in our favor. It gives us something to strive for while we're pecking away on the keyboard. Without the proper perspective, this could bring us down, making us feel as if we don't measure up.
I read somewhere that goals are dreams with deadlines. I think it's okay to look past where we are and work our tails off to get to the other side. As long as we understand there are weeds in that greener grass, because there are. In case you missed it, Nathan Bransford wrote an interesting post about When Dreams Become Expectations.
Am I where I want to be with my writing career? No. But even though the grass I'm standing on has a few weeds here and there, it feels pretty good under my feet. How about you?
photo credit: flickr
This is an awesome post Julie. We all need to be reminded of it OFTEN. Now I will hurry and go read Nathan's post before I jump in my long-delayed shower.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I don't see greener grass with envy..I see it as something to strive for for myself. Good post and excellent point!
ReplyDeleteI try to keep a positive attitude about where I'm at with my writing. Everything is experience. That's what I keep telling myself. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with Janel. I'm trying to remain positive. I am who I am and this is where I'm at. I've stopped looking at other people's progress as a sign that I'm "failing." I am not ashamed to be where I am. :D Great post!!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I definitely agree with Janel and Hannah. I try to just enjoy where I'm at while looking forward to where I'm going. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. ...Not so much concerned about greener grass elsewhere--just glad to be in the same neighborhood!
Aww you always say it just right!!! No doubt. Hopefully we won't have to cross any trolls on our way over the bridge to the next pasture though..
ReplyDeleteYou've been to the 2k10 site lately, haven't you???
ReplyDeleteGoals are dreams with deadlines - I LOVE that!!
ReplyDeleteI also love the advice to enjoy where you are and realize there are weeds ahead! :)
Not where I want to be, but I'm working toward that. When I need a reality check, I have lunch with a friend who's published in nonfiction and fiction, multiple series and starting a new series. Then I know I am a total slacker and had better get off my bee-hind.
ReplyDeleteIf we spend too much time thinking about where we're not, we'll miss it when we get there. See the good first and that will highlight the bad without the angst. My pasture feels okay. If I was a cow I'd be ready for milking.
ReplyDeleteI don't even think about it. I know this sounds very corny, but I really feel so blessed to have something in my life I am passionate about doing. I am just tickled when I write something I like. I refuse to compare myself to anyone else's experience.
ReplyDeleteDef. something to think about because if I can't be happy and content with where I am now, I probably will never be no matter how far I go.
ReplyDeleteYou have the right attitude. No matter where you are in your writing journey it will always be someone ahead of you --- but also there will be people behind you as well. It's all about perspective.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Julie. Setting goals is fine for me, but I do try to keep everything in perspective. It's hard, but I do try.
ReplyDeleteI wish you easy acquisition of your goals.
Excellent post, we all need to keep that in mind, Julie.
ReplyDeleteI take one step at a time through that green grass, appreciating where that step brings me, understanding that each one is part of the amazing journey.
ReplyDeleteThat old saying is so true isn't it? The grass does feel good under my feet. I may be on the agent hunt again but I'm seeing the bright side. This time I'm going to end up with the right one!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so honest in this. We never do arrive, do we, whether as writers or as Christians--we just keep persevering:))
ReplyDeletegood stuff Julie--thanks for this. I was needing a little boost/dose of reality~ :o) <3
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post that we can all identify with. I love that line: goals are dreams with deadlines. Brilliant! :O)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to strive for greener grass and keep working through the weeds! Thanks for sharing the great post, Julie.
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely post, Julie.
Adopting the right attitude is so important, because you're right, the grass is always greener on the other side, and if you're not satisfied now (while working toward your goal), you won't be when you achieve your goal, either.
This is so true.
ReplyDeleteI don't focus on what other people are doing and I keep my goals realistic. Also, I work steadily to attain my goals.
Great post Julie - you always find the silver lining:)
ReplyDeleteGoals are dreams with deadlines- you could not have put it better.
ReplyDeleteoh, you nailed this one, julie! great post ----
ReplyDeleteImportant to remember that our grass is the grass that looks greener from the other side!
ReplyDeleteHi, hopped over here from Leigh's blog. I know that I will always strive for more but right now I'm hoping for just a little success. I need something tangible to justify my hard work to my family.
ReplyDelete