This week, I want to share with you an experience I recently had.
So, to get you up to speed, I have a new book, and my agent is currently shopping around for publishers. If you’ve gone through the traditional publishing route, you know that it can be either be really fast or take way too long.
But today, I don’t want to speak so much about the book. Instead, my focus is on the obstacles you have to overcome when pursuing such a venture. When we first started, my agents and I were excited and raring to go. However, over time, that burst of energy, positivity, and confidence began fading.
Have you ever had such an experience? You start something you’ve been working towards for a long time with a lot of passion and enthusiasm. But then challenges arise, or you realize it won’t happen as fast as you envisioned it. In turn, your belief starts to fade, and your efforts gradually reduce.
Regardless of whether you are looking for a book deal, scheduling a speaking engagement, or launching a career in a new field, this is likely to happen. This is because there are other players involved in actualizing that vision. And, unless they are your employees, they’re likely going to approach it based on their timeline and not yours.
Now here’s the tricky part. As more time passed, I began feeling hopeless and doubtful. The idea of moving on to plan B or sending the book to more publishers became more and more appealing. And I want to share with you the little things that I did to handle it.
Look to Others for Guidance
Without clear sight of the path ahead, I sought the counsel of a friend. Having just released a bestseller recently, she reminded me of her first experience. Just like me, her first book did not receive any attention for the first six months.
Her experience is important because it gave me perspective. Often, our faith and confidence in our ability hinge on desires rather than realistic expectations. This is why it’s essential to have guidance from the people who have been on the same path before you.
More importantly, other people offer a voice of reason and positivity. Any time you feel stuck, they can help you gain some needed perspective or offer tangible solutions.
Affirmations
I also found that having affirmations can keep you in touch with your vision. Dedicate a few minutes every day to recite affirmations so that they can become ingrained in you.
Put in the Work
During my self-reflection, I also realized the importance of putting in the necessary work to achieve my vision. While I was hoping for bestseller results, I hadn’t been putting in such efforts. Since that realization, I write every day to hone my skills.
As a result, I’m now more relaxed and confident. And, this is what you should do. Write down and profess your goals, and then put in the work consistently. Have affirmations that inspire and get you in the right frame of mind. That’s what I want you to focus on this week.
In so doing, you’ll find that you’ll have more realistic expectations. But, more importantly, you’ll find that your belief in yourself will remain unwavering even if challenges come.