Why Writers Need to Quit Comparing

I was at the launch of the Auckland Writers Festival recently and as I listened to the extraordinary accomplishments of some of the amazing speakers, a little thought unfurled - lady, you really need to up your game.

Then I thought, hold up Missy - what's with the unhealthy comparison?

Which started me thinking about today's topic COMPARING YOU TO YOU - and why this is such a healthy and constructive practice for writers.

Comparing You to You allows you to take pleasure and pride in your achievements so far.  Comparing where you were when you first started writing to where you are now can be a revelation. 

Not only does it build confidence, it also shows you what you're capable of.  I dare any of you, dear readers, NOT to feel great when you reflect on - how your craft has improved, the achievements you have made and the obstacles you've overcome. 

Conversely, when you spend a bunch of time comparing your writing, career, ability and achievements to that of other writers, a bunch of gnarly things happen.

You waste time and mental energy castigating yourself because of some assumption about another person and/or unrealistic expectation of self. We're all at different places on the writing journey and there's always going to be someone better, more talented or hard working or just plain luckier than you so this comparison thinking truly is a waste of your writing time.

And let’s be honest, you have no idea what it took for that person you're comparing yourself to, to get where they are.

You treat your inner writer mean and it will not keep them keen.  Comparison does not support or nourish your inner writer in any way - it criticises them. And how is that helpful to doing your best work? It ain’t.

(You can read more about this in – The Productive Writer Guidebook)

Comparison can stop your productivity dead when you compare your output to someone who is simply further along than you. The misery that comes with this sort of comparison can get in the way of you finishing (or even starting) your project - cos why bother when you'll never be as good as (insert that amazing writer)? 

You can start to feel you'll never get to their level of excellence - so why even bother? 

Instead of buying into all that palaver, how about focusing on your uniqueness and what you are getting right now? 

How about focusing on the cool stuff you did already?

How about focusing on the next step you're going to take to move you closer to where you want to be?

Make this week a good one, Peeps. 

Kathryn Burnett

Author: The Productive Writer Guidebook

Want to be a more productive writer? Dive into our brand new book! Check it out here.