That's what made me think of it the other morning, when I sleepily logged on to Pubit.com, just like I do every morning to check on my book sales. But this morning, I stopped myself.
Again, I thought, I was becoming obsessed by my numbers. Again, I thought, I was missing the point.
When I was at Weight Watchers, I wasn't concerned about making friends or learning smart nutrition or doing any of the good things they teach you to do. No, I wasn't exactly a poster child. I just wanted to weigh in. I only wanted the gratification of seeing the numbers on the scale. I wasn't really learning anything - I knew I'd likely pig out at Taco Bell after weigh-in. And then I'd start all over. But only because of the numbers.
It took me awhile to figure out what I was doing wrong - and to finally not let that scale rule my life.
And I wondered the other morning if I was doing the exact thing again - only this time with my publishing numbers. Was I even having fun with my writing anymore? Or was I letting those numbers get the upper hand?
Sure, I want to make sales - what published author doesn't? But first and foremost, I write to write. That's what I need to focus on, and that, I told myself, is what I will. I'll check my numbers, of course. But I'll try not to obsess.
I'll write.
And afterwards, maybe I'll head out for a little treat - just a little one, mind you - at Taco Bell.
