Keep the REAL Target in Mind
Let’s talk terms: If a goal is something we strive toward and effort is what drives us forward, then success is often defined as when we meet that goal.
If your goal is to get a novel traditionally published, then the effort is what it takes to write, then pitch your novel. Success comes only when that novel is traditionally published—a challenge given how much is out of your control.
But what if we redefine these words in terms of what we can control? What if our goal is to write a book and put forward our best effort to get it out into the world? Then wouldn’t success come from what we do?
It’s a mind shift, and it’s not easy. It may even feel like a cop-out. If I want to be a successful author, how can I define “success” based solely on what I want?
Because writing is a choice. (Even when it feels like it isn’t!) We need to do what our bosses tell us to keep our jobs. But you are the boss in your writing career. Absolutely, learn from others! No boss was born the perfect leader; no writer was born the perfect writer, either. But you don’t have to play by their rules. Their rules are only one way to meet your goal.
Because ultimately, getting traditionally published isn’t actually our goal, is it? Our true goal is getting our story into the hands of readers. So, Boss, get creative. 🙂