Pursuing Better
You should never stop getting better at what you do.
Deep down, most writers already know this, whether they’re a published author working to keep the stories coming or a novice writer figuring out how to snag an agent or grow a blog readership. You know there’s more to learn, and you want to do your best. But do you know how and why to keep growing?
The “why” is simple: when you keep improving your craft, you’re continuing to produce greater and greater content to share with the world. You have something better to offer the people around you—something more valuable, helpful, or beautiful. It’s also good for you. When you keep learning and growing, you keep your mind engaged and positive. A happier, stronger you and an improved world—what more reason could you need?
Does this mean that none of your previous work is good enough? Not at all! If you’ve done your best work and created things, that success won’t go away. Don’t dismiss the value of what you’ve created in the past just because what you write and create in the future might be better. On the same note, don’t be so self-critical in your growth process that you hate what you’re already doing. Improvement is as much about recognizing what you’re doing right as looking for things you’re doing wrong.
I recently sat down to evaluate my own craft and business. I made a long list of ways I could do better, and at first, I was discouraged. How could I have missed so many opportunities? Then I changed my thinking. My list wasn’t a list of failures; it was a list of ways to move forward. I pondered, I planned, and then I took the plunge. I’ll show you what I came up with below, and then I’ll walk you through creating and working on your own list.
My List
Update my website: Done.
My website was out of date. It wasn’t mobile friendly, it contained old information about me, and it didn’t reflect everything I currently work on and offer. Does that mean it was a bad site? No! It was the first site I ever made for my editing business, and I’m proud of how it helped me connect with writers. Still, it was time for the next step, and I’m happy with the changes—for now. Someday, it will be time to grow again, and that’s okay.
Define my vision: Done.
When I started out editing, all I knew was that I loved helping people’s stories and using my editing skills for a job. That was good enough. I worked hard, I made connections, and things grew. However, I reached a point where that was no longer enough. I needed a vision, so I did some soul-searching and figured it out. I want to help authors tell true stories by guiding them through developing self-honesty, believable fiction and nonfiction, and truth in the details. I’ll share more about that in the days to come, but suffice it to say that I’m excited to apply what I care about to what I do.
Get back to blogging: In progress.
I used to blog regularly. I enjoyed thinking about editing and sharing tips with writers, but as I got burned out in other areas of life, I burned out in my blog too. I kept promising people I’d start again soon, but it never happened. Now, instead of making well-intentioned but unfulfilled promises, I’m back at it. I have my first few posts up and so many more planned for the weeks and months to come. Now that I have renewed vision, I’m excited about what I’m writing and sharing.
Write every day: In progress.
I want to live like a writer. I’ve always been one, but I’ve rarely acted like one. Fear, anxiety, and distractions all got in the way, but no longer. I started 2019 writing, and while I don’t normally make or keep resolutions, this one is working so far. Some days, it feels good to take some time in the morning before my editing work to sit and carefully work through a scene. Other days, it feels good to realize late at night that I don’t want to sleep before writing, and to successfully whip out 600 words that I might not have managed if I wasn’t sleepy enough to relax and open up. I’m not sure how long it will take make an actual habit, but so far, so good.
Self-led studies: Coming soon.
Last fall, I “accidentally” found myself in a Barnes and Noble for a quick pit stop on the way home from a meeting. As I took a casual look at the writing books, Gabriela Periera’s book DYI MFA stood out to me. Her premise? That even if a creative writing MFA program isn’t for you, you can gain many of the same benefits from intentionally reading, writing, and building community around you. It wasn’t the exact plan I needed, but I found the inspiration to make a 6-quarter course schedule of everything I wanted to learn and practice in reading, writing, and other subjects. I’m not sure how soon I’ll jump into my studies, but I’ll be sure to share when I do.
Your List
When you take a look at your own craft, what do you see? Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with where you’re at? Can you see your opportunities to grow? Here are some steps to help you keep moving forward.
Periodically evaluate where you’re at.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Be honest with yourself without being too critical. Everyone has some things they’re better at than others, and the first step toward getting anywhere is knowing where you already are. If you’re having trouble recognizing your own strong and weak points, consider asking a trusted friend who knows you and your work well enough to point some out.
How can you continue to make use of and build upon your strengths?
Don’t assume the fact that you’re good at something means you don’t have to work on it anymore. Examine each of your strong points and take notes on how you can get even better in those areas. Turn those notes into a plan, and then carry that plan out. Never stop practicing your craft—practice makes good better and better best.
How can you acknowledge and address your weaknesses?
It’s easy to fall into one of two wrong responses to weaknesses: pretending they’re not there or thinking there’s nothing you can do about them. These reactions are both wrong. First, you must accept that you have weaknesses. Next, you have to accept that you can change—with effort. Once you’re looking honestly at your weaknesses, make notes on what it would take to grow in each area.
When you see something you can do better, do it.
This point is pretty self-explanatory. Never settle for less than your best—you don’t want to fall into the trap of complacency. An important note: this means the best you can do right now. If you’re struggling with physical or mental health issues, the best you can do right now might not look like the best you could do if you were healthy, and that’s okay. Your mind and body are resources you must take into account when analyzing your progress.
Let’s keep going.
I’m a work in progress, and so are you. As writers, we know that we must never stop pursuing better. Can I make that journey with you? I’ve shared my list, and now I want to hear yours. Send me an email and share your plan for improvement so I can cheer you on!
I want to offer all the support I can to writers and other creatives who want to grow in their craft. If you sign up for my email list, you can start receiving weekly encouragement and challenges specially designed to help you along the way. When you do, I’ll also send you the link to a free download of my Expanded Revision Cheat Sheets, a new and improved resource I created to lead writers through the three stages of revision.
Are you ready to get better? Let’s move forward together.