We needed more than curtains!
A few years ago my husband and I built a house. Not everyone enjoys that kind of project, but I loved it. Especially the final stage. Decorating.
As moving day approached, I flipped through various home decorating magazines for inspiration. Soon I was comparing my house to every glossy image in the magazines. My mind raced as I visualized the potential.
“We need a grouping of pictures on this wall.”
“A floor lamp in that empty corner would be perfect.”
“Some new window treatments would really pull this room together.”
My husband brought me back to reality. “Slow down there. These things take time.”
Of course he was right. We had built an entire house – and I was concerned about the curtains! Obviously I had spent too much time comparing my house to the perfect pages in the magazines.
These days, instead of dreaming about curtains, I’m thinking about my writing goals. But I still get caught in the comparison trap. This time, I’m comparing myself to other writers.
“I wish I had a long list of published articles in that magazine.”
“I sure wouldn’t mind having a few books on a bestsellers list.”
The reality is this: there’s always going to be someone further down the path. So instead of comparing myself to them, I need to remind myself how far I’ve come.
I remember when Curt and I moved into our first house. We didn’t have much. Most of our furniture was either garage sale specials or hand-me-downs. We’ve come a long way since then.
And I’ve come a long way on my writing journey.
Rather than worrying about how far I need to go, I want to celebrate what I’ve accomplished. After all, the only writer I should compare myself to is the writer I was yesterday. If I’m further down the path compared to yesterday, that’s really all that matters.
How about you? Do you ever struggle with comparing yourself to others? If so, how do you deal with it?
As moving day approached, I flipped through various home decorating magazines for inspiration. Soon I was comparing my house to every glossy image in the magazines. My mind raced as I visualized the potential.
“We need a grouping of pictures on this wall.”
“A floor lamp in that empty corner would be perfect.”
“Some new window treatments would really pull this room together.”
My husband brought me back to reality. “Slow down there. These things take time.”
Of course he was right. We had built an entire house – and I was concerned about the curtains! Obviously I had spent too much time comparing my house to the perfect pages in the magazines.
These days, instead of dreaming about curtains, I’m thinking about my writing goals. But I still get caught in the comparison trap. This time, I’m comparing myself to other writers.
“I wish I had a long list of published articles in that magazine.”
“I sure wouldn’t mind having a few books on a bestsellers list.”
The reality is this: there’s always going to be someone further down the path. So instead of comparing myself to them, I need to remind myself how far I’ve come.
I remember when Curt and I moved into our first house. We didn’t have much. Most of our furniture was either garage sale specials or hand-me-downs. We’ve come a long way since then.
And I’ve come a long way on my writing journey.
Rather than worrying about how far I need to go, I want to celebrate what I’ve accomplished. After all, the only writer I should compare myself to is the writer I was yesterday. If I’m further down the path compared to yesterday, that’s really all that matters.
How about you? Do you ever struggle with comparing yourself to others? If so, how do you deal with it?
So much enjoying your recent articles. Looking forward to many more.
I appreciate your words of encouragement, Peggy. Thanks for stopping by!