Transmitting Hope
Question:
Ever wonder how to give your confidence a quick boost? Here's one answer.
Answer:
William K. Zinsser, author of the classic guide On Writing Well and my
favorite non-fiction writer, recently published his 17th book, Writing
Places. Though I know it's edging toward odd, merely reading the dust jacket
gives me hope.
The reason is that Mr. Zinsser is just four years shy of his
90th birthday. After all these years, he's still doing what he loves. If he
can do it, so can I. And so can you.
But the point isn't to use Zinsser's story as inspiration. That's what works
for me. You need to find your own stories that speak to the things you want.
Few necessities are as important to confidence as having proof that you can
succeed. For instance, being a single mother is among the hardest things
people do. But when a woman can point to a mother down the street doing it
all by herself, and doing it well, she has a reason to believe. She has
proof that it's possible.
If you want to be confident, look for stories about people who have achieved
what you want. When you find them, keep them. Then, when you're feeling
doubtful, read your stories. Let the words simmer in your mind and let
the success of others fill you with hope.
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