When you look at how another person made it, you may be tempted to follow their exact path. Even when the road to success is laid out in front of you, there may be a better plan elsewhere.

Lately I have been so overwhelmed. With the publishing of my new book, I have had a ridiculous amount of work to do. Every day brings about a new challenge. In a process that should be making me proud, it’s stressing me out. I just want to climb in bed with a bag of BBQ chips, toffee almonds cookies, and a bag of chocolate covered almonds.

A couple of weeks ago my husband signed me up for a marketing workshop facilitated by Sylvia Hubbard. I just opened the first cover design, my editor was wrapping up her work and I had gotten my promotional photos back. In my mind I had time to kill, why not go and learn something new. I learned something alright. I learned in those two hours that I was not ready.

Sylvia explained how most authors began a year before their book comes out to build up anticipation. How they have this social media platform built around promoting their upcoming work scheduled out for two years. Then two months before print the do these massive preorder sales events. By the time I left that place I was so discouraged. Everything she said made perfect since, but I didn’t have that kind of time.

After brushing myself off and talking to my biggest supporters I came to the truth that this may be the path for countless other people, but I shouldn’t hold off my book because I can’t do it their way. In the six weeks I had left, I decided to focus on what I could get done. I was able to clean up my social media pages, then create a schedule that worked for my lifestyle. I was able to finish up my manuscript and approve my book cover. I was able to start a YouTube channel and so many other things that I am so proud of.

That’s when I realized, I can have a successful launch even if I do only a quarter of what others have done. I would rather put out my best work with only doing some things, then put out half done work and do everything.

My advice to you is simple, do what you can do and leave the rest to God. Your road may not be paved perfect, but its better scenery.

Featured Photo by Melody Jacob on Unsplash