I’m in the process of writing my first book. The working title is “A Handbook for World Changers – Staying sane when the world rejects your change.” That’s besides the point for now, though. I use the word “first” here very deliberately, and I would suggest you do the same whenever you’re making something you care about. One reason is that I know I’m going to write more than one book.
The other reason is more important. When it’s your first book, it’s a stepping stone and failure is part of the process. If I said “I’m writing my book,” as if that was the only book I’d ever write, then the result feels personal. If the book doesn’t sell, I’ve failed.
When it’s my “first book,” I don’t care if this book sells 5 copies because when I write my fourth book, I can look back to see how far I’ve come. No one can expect wild success with their first book. When you reframe the statement, it’s not about the book. it’s about the journey as an author.
Failure is not final. Success fades, too. The only thing that can last is a sustainable practice of creation.
Leave a Reply