We have an inside joke in our office. One time, during a meeting with an office equipment leasing company, my boss and our then Tech Coordinator were discussing options. My boss would suggest something, and the TC would just override him. No, it couldn’t be that way, because that would make the TC’s life too hard.
“Oh, so it’s all about you then?”
We laugh now when we talk about procedures – if they make things too hard for the TC, we correct the issue. Because, you know, it’s all about him.
But really, in life, how often is it really all about “me” or “you”? When you’re working at your job, it’s probably all about the client. When you’re writing a story, is it all about the reader? And what about in the evenings, when you’re taking care of your kids/pets/parents/ant farm?
When does it really, really get to be all about YOU?
It ought to be that way more often. And I don’t even think that’s a teeny bit narcissistic. When you write for fun (and even occasionally profit), make sure you’re writing for yourself, not for whomever may or may not eventually read it. When you’re taking care of your children, remember that without taking care yourself at some point, you won’t be your best for them.
Clients? Well, it actually is pretty much all about them. You’re kind of stuck there.
Sacrifice is all well and good, and laudable, and appreciated. But don’t forget that you’re important too. Especially you.
