POSITIVE WRITING POST: What is fulfillment for a writer?

Artwork by R.B.T

ART by RBT. Check out the artist's website and instagram.

​I don't know about you guys, but sometimes life can get me down.

I think it can be pretty hard when your passion is something that can at times seem like such an impossible mountain to climb. I am pretty sure this would be a common thing among novelists, the idea that you try and try, usually for many years, yet you see no concrete proof of your achievements. 

It was pointed out to me recently, that if you are a university student you get to see consistent proof of your efforts, you take exams and complete assignments regularly, and then you receive scores regularly. Did you improve? Has your hard work and effort been recognised?

That kind of process is wonderful for morale. It gives you a reason to keep struggling and trying, even when things are tough.

Writing though? Not so much.

Usually when you are writing, particularly if you are writing novels and are still unpublished, there is only you involved in that process. Usually there isn't a teacher around to give you a score on each chapter you finish, and there is no concrete system for seeing your output improve over time.

So it is inevitable that a writer may  sometimes feel like they try and try and try, yet get nowhere. 

Recently however, I was presented with a very interesting idea, when attending a comedy show (of all things!).
So this guy, Jordan, from the youtube channel friendlyjordies, asked his audience the following question.


What is fulfillment?


You probably have a million different answers to that, yet the answer that friendlyjordies gave to his audience was not what I expected.
He said:


Fulfillment is progress.


That is all. 

To me, this means that you can have a dream, and whatever that dream may be (writing a complete novel, getting that complete novel published etc.) the progress towards accomplishing that dream can be enough for fulfillment.

Now I am pretty sure this doesn't mean that reaching the goal itself isn't still important.
But it does mean this...

Every tiny minuscule step you take that brings you closer to achieving your dream, is progress.
No matter how small. No matter how insubstantial.
It is still progress.

And if you are making progress towards what you want, then maybe you can feel fulfilled by that.
Because there is no point being unhappy or frustrated for years because you have not yet achieved your goal.
Accomplishing what you want is an amazing thing, but don't get so lost in the future that you forget to identify your smaller achievements right now, don't forget to feel proud of the progress you make each day, no matter how small.


Because the truth is that you are still moving forward. And the long as you are moving and don't give up, there is simply no reason that you cannot one day get where you want to be.


So I guess my challenge for today, to help get me out of my own downer slump, is to think back on what I have accomplished with my writing over the last year or so.

• I created my own writing space inside my home, and if any visitors asked me what it was for, I told them straight out that I write novels.
• I found and joined a writing group, and submitted my work for review.
• I began telling my friends and work mates that I write novels. 
• I joined a YA book club to better understand the market I want to write in (and also read cool stories!!!!).
• I was finally brave enough to use my real name, on my books and on this website. A HUGE step for me. There's no hiding when you use your real name. 

So.... I guess that's pretty cool huh? 

Does anyone else have any accomplishments they would like to share about their own journeys?
Cos I would love to listen.