I’m having a little issue taking my own advice today. Stay positive. The difficulties getting into the published world of writing is becoming more and more clear. I know I have what it takes to stay the course, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it.
When I was starting in my career as a zookeeper, I tried out for the Animal Care Husbandry Assistant position seven times. Husbandry Assistants were entry level, no experience required. I interviewed for that entry level position seven times before they hired me. To this day, I don’t think anyone has tried out for the same job as many times as I did.
I persisted, and eventually, it paid off. But it took its toll. At one point, my manager told me Animal Care didn’t even want to hire me, but they decided to give me a chance ONLY because I tried out so often and consistently. Over the course of two and a half years, I applied for every single position which opened up. I finally got the position when they were experiencing a hiring freeze and could only get temporary assistants to cover all the duties.
The temporary position quickly turned into a part-time job when the hiring freeze ended. I moved up to full time quickly. And made a name for myself within the department as a reliable, hard-working team player. Management once doubted me, but they came around and ended up being glad they gave me a chance.
I have to remember this story, especially at times like this. As a writer, I have to deal with A LOT of criticism and rejection. It doesn’t feel good, but I can’t give up. No matter how much my heart wants to right now.
Staying positive isn’t always easy. Okay, there are many times it’s the hardest damn thing you’ll do. You will get tired of the two steps forward, three steps back. You will wonder if it’s worth it. Why did you ever think this project or ambition was a good idea?
I’m taking my advice I give to other friends and clients. Don’t give up. Focus on the wins, the positives. Do not react to the negatives. Learn from them, but do not react. You can do this. You just have to keep going. Keep going forward. Persist. And win.
I believe in you! Use the criticism to get better 🙂