Do you ever feel like the more you do the less you've achieved? I know, that sounds weird, right?
But I've been working hard on all sorts of things in the last few months.
I've sorted out an online system for working with clients - I've even got clients and worked with them on their social media - that's massive, right? I've launched my new website on a different platform to this one so I had to learn all the tech stuff, I've sorted out the associated mailing lists, updated my computer because the wifi kept dropping, registered a domain, sorted a new email address...the list goes on, but I'm stopping there as I don't want to appear braggy - I'm just giving context ;)
And today I'm feeling like, well, flat. Like I'm still not doing enough.
Why?
Is this a female thing? Or a business start up thing?
Or, is it just me?
I've been wondering why I feel like this for a few hours now. And it has literally just occurred to me (I had actually sat down to write a different blog post!).
I'm comparing myself to other people.
I'm comparing where I am, at the beginning of my business journey, with more established people out there.
So instead of celebrating my achievements, each baby milestone I'm ticking off my list, I'm comparing myself to others who are also ticking milestones off their lists. Essentially this means I'm never going to catch up. It's impossible. Because those I'm comparing myself to are people I admire. They're inspiring because they are moving forward. This is both a delight to see and read about - and a curse.
Because it means they're always going to be that little bit ahead of me. I'm always going to be trailing in their wake.
So, I can make a decision.
Do I keep comparing myself; therefore losing all self-motivation? Or, do I stop and concentrate on where I am right now?
Obviously the latter is the answer. And it's easier said than done.
But as I was writing this I was reminded of a quote by Jon Acuff:
Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle.
So I'm reminding you, too. Just in case you're comparing your beginning to someone else's middle.
Keep doing your thing. Keep ticking those mini milestones off. And celebrate your achievements.
Oh and if you want to see my new website dedicated to social media for writers and creatives, it's called Bookish Marketing. I'm rather pleased with it. No comparing.
