"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."--Michael Jordan
I recently tried my hand at writing a 2000-word short story for a competition. I had the plot in my mind for about 20 days before I actually wrote it. I have to say, I am a bit lazy, as I had approximately 30 days to complete the story, but I wrote it only a few days before the submission date -_- . I posted it haphazardly, which revealed some good and bad things about me…
Firstly, I have the capability to write at least 1500 words in a day, I did not know that. I had written about 70 words initially, but as I got into a flow, the words just simply poured out my mind and through my fingers onto the keyboard.
Secondly, I know I said that I am a ‘bit’ lazy, but as I figured, I am more than a ‘bit’ lazy. I am incredibly lazy. What the good thing I found out was that I do the most astonishing things at the last minute. I once completed a 45 page assignment a day before submission!! Writing a 2000 word story was a new feat entirely.
Lastly, I get puffed up by appreciation, though I keep telling myself that I shouldn’t get too excited. The same happened when I showed this story to some of my friends. They appreciated my work and, as it was my first attempt, I was very excited. I was overwhelmed by the appreciation. I got my hopes up. I thought I would at least get some recognition from the competition for which I had written the story, but my efforts failed. I couldn’t win. I knew I hadn’t put much effort, I was sure I didn’t stand a chance against people who had used all the 30 days given to them for preparation.
I wasn’t heartbroken, but I felt a tinge of sadness. And it Ok, It’s human nature to be sad about failure.
What I learned from this small experience is that I won’t always win, but that doesn’t mean I should stop trying. If there won’t be any efforts how can I even dream of the prize!
