Harsh Truths Can Make You Better If You Don’t Quit
Use pain as a teacher
Friedrich Nietzsche’s adage says, “what does not kill me makes me stronger.” If you’re thinking of the Kelly Clarkson song’s trendier version with the same words, you’re right too.
Research backs up both counts with data that people who have failures early in their careers have huge success later.
It seems to be true that you get stronger through adversity. What few people are saying is that the truth hurts like hell, but it may be just the push you need to work a little harder toward your goals.
I read something Matthew Kent wrote recently, and my eyes got watery because I can relate to the pain he shares. As writers, we watch those around us. Some of them are beyond where we are and enjoy greater rewards. Others are looking to us as part of their success story. It’s a responsibility, to wear our achievements well, but sometimes we fail. Matthew talks about how a successful writer he admires said: Maybe your writing isn’t any good.
That comment cut to his core and it wasn’t even directed at him, but affected him deeply. He wrestles with the feelings that we’re not good enough yet, and maybe we’ll never be good enough ever.
