Embracing the Climb
Writing as a profession can appear challenging. It can seem never easy for anyone. We all find ourselves either striving to secure a place on the charts, or constantly glancing behind at those eager to surpass us on those same charts. There are hordes of contenders. With over four million books published each year, not to mention the vast number of backlists from authors spanning human history, we are but a single writer and a single book amidst billions.
Acknowledging and making peace with the fact that a writing career is arduous represents the first step towards embracing it. Life is a challenge for everyone, and the same applies to the writing profession. Moreover, if our aim is excellence, why should it be effortless for any of us? And more importantly, why should we expect it to be? We will receive in proportion to what we invest. It really is that simple. We know that ascending this mountain will demand effort, but for those of us who enjoy hiking, reaching the summit brings immense satisfaction and an unparalleled vista. It is not work; it is play; it is recreation (re-creation).
Instead of fixating on the difficulties involved in climbing this mountain, we start appreciating what we gain: insight, strength, skills, fulfillment. It is through adversity that we learn and become better. Consequently, as we change our altitude, we change our attitude (and our language) from one that focuses on difficulty to one that views our experience as an opportunity to exceed ourselves. It is not the billions that we should worry about; it is the competition of one (ourselves). Discipline creates opportunities and leads to complete clarity. By seeing clearly, by getting hints of the vista as we climb, we realize that the writing profession is not daunting, but rather a pathway to extraordinary growth.
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