How to navigate a competitive industry
I got caught in the trap that writers who rely on their work for a living fall into. I wanted to be known for my beautiful prose and stories, just like the author whose words I’d stumbled on.
It’s a thought that creeps slowly into your mind when you’re struggling to fall asleep after a bad day. It’s an innocent question that can rapidly spiral out of control: are there good things ahead?
Here’s what I know about the comparison game: there are no winners. While you’re comparing yourself to that writer, they’re probably comparing themselves to someone else. The result is two individuals who feel deflated and less-than.
I think we should always pass on the wisdom that’s been bestowed onto us. So here are some of the words I want to pass onto you, sweet reader.
Comparison is not something you conquer. It’s something you continuously acknowledge. We must intentionally uproot the lies every time it strikes our most vulnerable areas.
Instead of wondering why we aren’t there yet, we have to appreciate the valley we’re in and trust it’s preparing us for the next level.
Time gets wasted when we worry about who’s ahead of us. Time gets wasted when we are constantly turning our heads to see who our competition is or analysing all the ways why they have what we want.