"Never compare yourself to other writers. Sure, you can learn from them and be encouraged by them, but judging yourself against their successes is self-defeating."
― Shaila Patel
Let's be honest, especially to ourselves, that we tend to compare and hold ourselves up to the work of successful people or even those we perceive as doing better than us, all the time.
Sometimes, it can be overwhelming, sometimes, it can leave us in the doldrums, while sometimes, it can be the kick we need to get out of our comfort zone and do something about achieving our goals.
The most terrible thing you can do is tear yourself down because you feel you aren't getting anywhere in life, and your dreams remain just that - dreams.
“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.
That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”
― Octavia E. Butler
Feelings of inadequacy, underconfidence, self-doubt, and uncertainty, are feelings everyone goes through. You are not alone.
I have seen this happening to me. I have been my own worst enemy - I hold myself back and feel inferior, which leads me to doubt myself and my skills.
"I can't do this", "I am not good enough", can become a mantra, constantly booming in your ears, making you the villain of your own life story.
Use your fears to drive you.
Challenge your doubts, not yourself.
Build yourself up, don't tear yourself down.
Stop torturing yourself about your weaknesses.
Feel the fear, feel the agony of self-doubt, let it flow through and out of you, and then keep going and move forward.
‘I write every day whether or not self-doubt is kicking my ass. It's what writers must do.’
― Don Roff