E is for Expectation

 

Today I want to write about the rule of rising expectation. The idea is that once you achieve what you have been working towards, say landing a literary agent, the joy of the success is washed away by the the roar of the next hurdle, the next expectation you need to meet. So, first you say, "All I want is to write a novel." Then: "All I want is to get an agent." Then: "All I want is to land a book deal." Then: "All I want is some good reviews." You get the idea.

In some ways, I think this is inevitable, especially for a person who is motivated to succeed. Always we are looking  for what comes next. That is how we get things done. There are other kinds of people who only focus on the task at hand and don't even think to look for what else has to be done in order for general goals to move along. (My husband is a person like this. I say, put the bowls from dinner in the dish washer and run it. So he does, leaving a forest of dirty glasses on the counter. But I digress.) I envy people like this a little, because I am a worrier. I am always fretting over the next stage of things, long before they happen. This is my way to prepare and consider necessary plans of action that need to be taken to ensure success.

But as I work towards getting an agent and hold my breath each day for an email of new import, I hope that I will take the time to enjoy the success of each stage as it happens, if it happens. It is important to stop and smell the peppermint before it bolts and fades. Take time to enjoy a mojito for goodness sakes.

Mmmm...mojito season is coming. More on that later.