Letting Go of Failure

Every time I run my online planning course, I find at least some participants who get frustrated because they look at where they want their business to be financially and don't see how they can get there from the type of work they currently do. For example, a writer might calculate how many more corporate or editorial assignments they need to add a month and then go into shock over the quantity.


The problem they face is one that many writers have: They don't let go of failure. If you want to progress in anything, whether a skill, an endeavor, or even taking a hike, you have to move in one way or another from where you are to your destination. You cannot stay fast and make any progress. And yet, many of us do exactly that, whether in business, relationships, habits, or even in our aspirations and dreams.


The refrain is something of the frm, "But I can't do that because of this, that, and the other," when said this, that, and other are of your choice and control, and not externally imposed. If you want to make more money in magazine and newspaper writing and you've been writing for publications that pay 25 to 50 cents a word - or less - the answer is clear. You have to start writing for places that pay more and, as you get new clients, stop working for cheapskates.


But the moment you try doing this, you may notice thoughts like, "But I love that editor," or, "It's so easy to get assignments." Brick by brick, you're using your own thoughts and attitudes to build the wall that will encase you where you are. The only solution is to stop defending your previous decisions. You have the right to make a different choice, and you can start doing it today. It will take time to pull away from the old and become established in the new, but it can and will happen - when you stop clutching the bricks in your hands and begin walking in a new direction.