Since I published my first book in 2021, I’ve been following a timeline that I created for myself. My plan included authoring four more books to create a middle-grade series. (I’ve published two more so far.) Then finish the contemporary young adult novel that is in rough draft. Yet, project after project has slipped behind the timeline I set at the beginning of my journey to become an author. When I look back on the lists in my old planners, I begin to feel like a failure. What have I done with my time?
The comparison game begins to echo through my mind. Others I met at the beginning of my journey are much further along. Some have won awards. Some have authored more books. Comparing myself to others is a sure way to feel defeated. What do I do to combat this comparison syndrome? I make more plans. I fill notebooks and planners with ideas, tracking charts, and stickers. The writing groups I meet with keep me moving forward on my journey as I strive to meet more goals.
Yesterday, I sat down at my desk to work on my current project. A devotional/journal filled with encouraging testimonies and scripture. I wanted to write, I needed to write, but an overwhelming sense of sadness for the loss our family experienced last year whisked my desire to write away. After a few minutes of prayer, I gave myself grace. I’ll write another day. Those words will be filled with purpose and love. It was a day to reflect. Again.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
If you have something you thought would’ve transpired by now, and it hasn’t, give yourself grace. Our best laid plans might be good ones, yet we must remember that we aren’t machines that can keep churning out products or actions. Things do have to get accomplished, but prayer can keep our priorities in line. Prayer also keeps our hearts in line with the one whose plans were laid at the foundation of the world. And those plans, my friend, really are the best laid plans.
I definitely get this whole post. The saying, “You are your own worst critic” is so true. I have started keeping plans in my head and only making lists of what I have accomplished. Easier to feel better mentally when you see the goals or tasks you have already finished. Gives you that boost you need to keep going.
I like to do that too. It can be motivational in the long run.
I started writing down one thing at the end of every day — what I actually managed to do. Not a to-do list, not plans. Just one small win. It’s surprising how quickly it shifts your perspective.
I do that also. It’s helpful to see the day wasn’t wasted.
I started writing down one thing at the end of every day — what I actually managed to do. Not a to-do list, not plans. Just one small win. It’s surprising how quickly it shifts your perspective.
It’s always good to think of our day in terms of what we accomplished, big and small, before we call it a day.