Inspiration vs. Comparison

For the next three days, I'll be attending the Calvin College Festival of Faith and Writing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I hope to get lots of writing life stories to share with you.

One of the challenges of attending writing conferences like this one is walking the line between inspiration and comparison. Hearing other writers' work, their tales of struggle and accomplishment, their thoughts on craft, can get me very fired up about my vocation. On the other hand, it can make me discouraged, frustrated, and disappointed with myself and my current writing career. I want to focus on giving myself an infusion of positive energy this week, rather than comparing myself to others and putting myself down.

In her list of 10 ways to infuse your work with your personality, artist keri smith lists both sides of this inspiration/comparison conundrum:

7. "Pay no attention to the man behind that curtain." Ignore what other people are doing. It has no bearing on your existence or vision of the world. The times we feel the most discouraged are usually due to the fact we are comparing ourselves to others. Most times reading awards annuals, and industry mags only serves to make us feel inadequate. Try cutting it out entirely. Designer Bruce Mau recommends not entering awards competitions. His reasoning, “Just don’t do it, it’s not good for you.”

10. Study other artists or creators who followed their own vision. Research.

Even though they seem contradictory, I think the key to following both of those suggestions is in attitude. If I can attend this conference with an attitude of confidence, a firm sense of my identity as a writer, and trust in my own journey, I hope to learn a lot and avoid the pitfalls of comparison and discouragement. Wish me luck!