Let’s talk about high hopes.
Remember the little ant who thought he could move a rubber tree plant?
As an independent, self-published author, I have high hopes too.
What if someone in the audience at one of my readings notices my work and opens an unexpected door for me? That would be a thrill.
But life doesn’t usually happen that way—at least, not for most of us.
With more than two million books published annually in the United States alone, it is easy for a book to become buried. I don’t have an enormous following, a large marketing budget, or a complete understanding of all the right promotional tools. I’m not going to travel across the country selling my book, I just don’t have the money or the energy to do that… and that’s on me.
And yes, sometimes I even wonder whether my books are good enough.
But here is a more encouraging question: What if my books are good enough, but not enough people know about them yet?
Instead of waiting for one extraordinary break, I can set attainable goals:
• Give at least one reading every month.
• Host an event every three months.
• Speak at least three events each year.
• Deliver one presentation—with slides—to a live audience every year.
• Participate in a Zoom conference before the end of this year.
Slowly and steadily, I am building my presence. Every reading, conversation, event, and presentation is another step towards making my work known.
High hopes matter, but attainable goals keep us moving. Count every win. Take one step at a time.
That is how we eventually reach the summit.
It’s August, and more than half the year is behind us.
What is one attainable goal you want to accomplish before the end of the year?
Who’s with me?
Photo Credit:
The power of weaver ant, Oecophylla lift Mimusop elengi fruit
by ekobudiutomo