Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Writer Shot #2:
Frequently as artists, we may fall into the pattern of comparing our achievements (or lack thereof) to others within our field. Sometimes it can be inspiring; however, most of the time I’ve found it to be an emotional drain and huge distraction.
When it’s healthy comparison, this is what it can look like:
1.) “When writer X did that thing it showed me that the way I am doing it is not formatted right. Let me look into that.”
2.) “I really like how writer Y used that image to explore the mother’s mourning process and how she had to go through the motions to get over her daughter’s death. I can better see my own vision after reading that.”
3.) “I want to learn how to do what writer Z is doing with argumentation. She has an excellent grasp on turning narrative into instruction that could be useful for me in the future.
Notice in those three examples how the writer is interested in what the other writer is doing and finds inspiration for his or her own work. It always comes back to the “I”, meaning the writer sees that what needs to happen with their own work because what someone else did acted as a lesson for them to implement later on.
When it is an unhealthy comparison, this is what it looks like:
1.) Writer A writes so much better than I do. I don’t even know why I try to do this when I will never be on the same level as him.
2.) Here goes Writer B publishing yet another article/poem/story and getting all these awards/acknowledgments. Why do I have to write like that person in order to get published? How I write is just as good if not better. Maybe this publishing thing is not for me.
3.) I love how Writer C writes. I think I will just write like them and use their style to get ahead. It’s so beautiful! I really want to write like Writer C and get ahead.
Notice how the writer compares themselves to the other writer but then puts those feelings in the negative. It always stays about the writer in question and never returns to uplifting one’s own craft or interest. This is not inspiration and does not make a good writer!
Stop comparing yourself to others! Constantly comparing yourself, your accomplishments to the next person is silly. Another person’s journey is not your journey, no matter what kind of work you do. That is their journey and only theirs. You have your own path and it may or may not include a book prize, a post-publication award, a tenure-track this, or a “big” journal that. What are you writing for? For whom? And why is your journey not enough for you? What if your hands got sick of you and just revolted against you? That you can write is the reason why you celebrate you.
If the only thing you can think about is what someone else is doing and is getting and how much prize money you’re missing out on then put that pen down. Close that laptop. Walk away. You’re doing it for the wrong reasons. But if you really want to experience the uniqueness of what you do and how your life puts a spin on it, by all means proceed and make people take notice!
Best,
Phillip
Glappitnova unites influencers and talent from different industries through storytelling, performances, classes, and events for one crazy 8 day experience in Chicago.
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