How can you stop comparing as a writer?
Here is a sneak peek of my guest post for the COMPEL Pro Blog on three ways to stop comparing as a writer and start measuring our work properly.
Friend, have you fallen into the trap of measuring your work and comparing it to everyone else in your writing ministry? Every day, when you scroll through your Facebook and Instagram feeds, you see it: This writer has just signed a contract for a book, the other one is launching a book, this one found a literary agent, this one has been a podcast guest, or yet another one is invited to be a speaker at a conference. News, news, news!
You are happy for your writing friends and connections; you celebrate them, but then questions start to swirl in your mind. What about me, God? When will I be able to write and publish a book? Who will invite me to be a podcast guest or a speaker at a Christian event? Will I ever find a suitable agent? Lord, I feel like a failure.
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How to Stop Comparing as a Writer
We ride down the spiral of comparison that clouds our hearts and makes us miserable and discouraged. The rising resentment and disappointment with our own work and progress show us that it is not wise nor godly to measure our work against everyone else. But how can we measure our work right and in a God-pleasing way? What are the ways to stop comparing our work with the work and achievements of others?
#1 Boast in the Sphere of Service God Has Assigned to You
To each of us, God has given a sphere of service, a portion of the field, a specific assignment and responsibility that only you and nobody else could fulfill. Even when several workers work on the same part of the field, each has a different gift, approach, and way of working. You are unique, and your ministry and work are unique to you.
No one can take your place in the harvest field, because this place is reserved only for you. So instead of focusing on others’ successes and achievements, let’s focus on our God-given vision and assignment and choose to acknowledge our own progress.
“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you” (2 Corinthians 10:13, NIV, emphasis added).
Read the rest of the post to learn more about the other ways we can start the year right as writers at COMPEL Pro Blog.
Here are three ways to stop comparing as a writer and start measuring our work properly. @compeltraining #writerslife #faith #growth Share on XYou can find more articles on writing and blogging HERE.
More Encouragement for Bloggers, Writers, and Creatives
If you need inspiration and encouragement as a writer and creative, I can recommend these selected books on the writing life and creativity. Check them out.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin
Do Your Art: A Manifesto on Rejecting Apathy to Bring Your Best to the World by Chad R. Allen
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age by Jeff Goins
The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by Todd Henry
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer
This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!
Your Turn
How do you measure your work? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing your wisdom about how to stop comparing yourself as a writer. Good advice to follow in other areas of life as well!
Thanks, Crysti! Yes, I think we can follow these principles in other area of our lives, too.
Wow! Thanks for sharing about not comparing yourself to other writers. I do this a lot. I do believe there is a plan for each of us. And we all have a purpose. I needed this reminder. Thank you.
Thanks, Mary Ann! I am happy the post reminded you of your uniqueness and specific purpose. Blessings!
What a thoughtful and inspiring post on how to stop comparing as a writer. Great post, thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Meri! I am glad you found it thoughtful and inspiring. Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on how to stop comparing as a writer. I’ve often found myself looking at others and unfairly judging my own work, feeling like I’m not as developed or thoughtful. This is such a helpful reminder to stay focused on my own path while also celebrating fellow writers and their success.
Thanks, Debbie! This happens to many of us: to compare ourselves to others and underestimate our own work. I am happy the post encouraged you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about not comparing yourself to other writers. Your advice is so true, and a good reminder to me. God has a special plan for each one of us, and I need to remember that I will reach different individuals than anyone else.
Thanks, Lisa! Yes, we need this reminder from time to time. Every one of us is unique, and God has given us a unique mission and sphere of influence.
This ministered to me deeply, friend. Thank you for your wisdom!
Thanks, friend! I am happy the post resonated with you. Blessings!