Doing Better Than Others Versus Doing Better Than Yourself

Although I was obsessed with doing better than others for one year too many, I'm more focused on myself now. I'd like to stay this way moving forward.

I remember a time when I looked at a blogger's stats (followers, views, etc.) and felt discouraged. Defeated even. I wanted to do better than others instead of trying to improve myself.

Even before I made this blog, I strived to beat out the students in my class. For a while, I stopped being concerned with my personal goals because I concentrated so much on the success of other people. Strangers, friends, acquaintances alike.

At some point, I realized doing better than others didn't make me happy. I shouldn't have cared how everyone else did in relation to myself.

So nearly twenty years after I came into this world, I've come to a few conclusions.

I have to define success on my own terms. I won't steal someone's definition and settle with it.

I want to do better than me, myself, and I. Which is why I need to strive to beat my personal best, not the best of another blogger or student.

After all, I'm on my own unique journey. And everyone else around me is on a different one of their own. It's unfair to compare.  

We're all human beings, but we aren't exactly the same. Like comparing apples to oranges. Both are fruits but apples aren't oranges. I'm not you. You are not me.

Besides, I'm happier when I focus on what I'm doing and how well I'm doing. Also, the time I spend asking a peer what they got on a test or peeking at a creator's numbers is better spent practicing my skills. I could be studying harder or blogging more to improve my abilities.

Interestingly enough, I constantly write in my journal that I can do better. One because it's true. And two because I want to. More than anything. I would love nothing more than to become a better writer and blogger. To grow as an artist.

Every day I should do something to ensure I'm moving forward rather than fall behind or stay stagnant.

Going forward, I hope I'll make a conscious effort to be better than I was yesterday.

My goal is to beat my own goals, best my personal records, not those of others.

A Guide To Becoming A Better Writer

Because we can all be better writers. 

Be clear.

Picking the right word or phrase will do wonders for your prose. 

Be simple.

Don’t over-complicate when you can simplify instead. 

Have goals.

Especially small ones. 

Outline.

At least have a plan or an idea of what you’re trying to do. 

Be conversational. 

Using contractions isn’t the end of the world. 

Break grammar rules within reason.

Learn them first. 

Let your personality shine.

You’re a human being, not a machine, so write like one. 

Read your work aloud.

You could even enlist the help of someone else.  

Do your research.

You don’t know everything about everything. 

Never assume.

Don’t assume your readers know everything or nothing.

Reduce prepositional phrases.

Try not to have too many in one sentence. 

Delete filler words.

Find them and get rid of the ones you rely on way too much. 

Keep practicing.

Writing often makes you a better writer.

Being better at writing takes work, but it’s worth the time and effort.

When Bad Days Turn Into Good Ones

Today is one of those days. At least for me.

I hope you (yes, you) are having a good one as well. If you aren’t, I am hoping it picks up and gets better.

If anything just remember, tomorrow is a new day. Besides, nothing lasts forever.

Pain is temporary.

But so is happiness. Treasure it.

Bad Blogger

I’ve been a very bad blogger as of late.

I apologize profusely. Nowadays, life is insanely busy so it’s hard finding a gigantic chunk of time to blog.

Thank you all for putting up with me through this difficult time. My promise to you: I’ll work on becoming a better blogger.

Writing Advice