This perspective was a guidepost as I navigated the challenging journey of writing and revising my novel.
In July of 2022, I hired a seasoned developmental editor to guide me through the grueling process of revising my contemporary fiction novel. It felt like working on a big project at work—one where you’re sure you’ve nailed it, only to find out there’s still so much to improve. With pride and excitement, I sent her my manuscript for the first time, fully expecting her to love it and maybe even recommend me to the perfect literary agent. But instead of the praise I anticipated, I received 13 pages of feedback, suggesting that I refine my main character and her journey.
In January of 2023, I sent the editor my second attempt. Once again, I was sure I’d hit the target. But instead of an agent introduction, I got eight pages of critique that addressed the novel’s momentum and pace. Finally, in June of 2023, when I looked through the windshield and saw the third and final round of feedback, the view was overwhelming. Though I had made progress, the three-page evaluation showed that my story still needed to be more active and immediate.
Revising my novel for the third time took fourteen months. Now my manuscript is with beta readers. If I did my job well, they’ll tell me it was entertaining, and I can finally start the process of acquiring an agent. But sometimes, despite all the work I’ve done, I can’t resist glancing in that rearview mirror, worrying that I’ve missed the mark again.
Those past mistakes sometimes haunt me, echoing through my thoughts in the quiet moments before dawn. It’s hard not to feel like a failure when I look back. But I’ve learned that if I keep my eyes on the windshield, I can leave those doubts behind and move forward with renewed determination. Dwelling on past setbacks can trap us in a negative mindset, making it impossible to focus on the future and preventing us from moving forward.
Just like focusing on the windshield helps drivers avoid accidents, research shows that focusing on the present and future promotes emotional resilience and forward momentum. Psychological studies highlight that forward-looking attitudes are linked to better goal-setting, motivation, and overall mental well-being. By concentrating on what lies ahead, we can foster a mindset that is solution-oriented and proactive.
Snyder’s Hope Theory, developed by psychologist Charles Snyder, emphasizes the importance of a future-oriented perspective, which he refers to as “hope.” This involves setting clear goals, developing strategies to achieve them, and maintaining the motivation to pursue these strategies. Individuals with higher levels of hope tend to have better mental well-being and are more resilient when facing challenges. Hope is a guiding light for me, helping me maintain a positive outlook even when the road ahead is uncertain.
Sometimes my inner critic wakes me before the alarm. When that happens, I lie on my back, close my eyes, and stack my hands over my solar plexus. As a certified reiki master, I send loving energy to my husband and pets, expand to friends and family, colleagues and people who I know are suffering, then include myself and goals. Once the vibes are high, I bring in people and situations that challenge me. This morning ritual energizes me with positive emotions, reducing negative self-talk and helping me stay focused on what lies ahead instead of what’s behind.
There are many psychological benefits to forward-thinking. A future-focused approach contributes to a sense of purpose and direction, leading to higher overall life satisfaction. A study by Zimbardo and Boyd (1999) highlighted that people with a strong future orientation tend to have more positive attitudes towards life and report greater overall happiness.
Another key to happiness lies in how we measure our success. In the self-help book The Gap and The Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, the authors suggest that measuring yourself against your ideals sets you up for disappointment. Instead, they recommend measuring where you are now against where you were a year ago, which gives you a sense of accomplishment. They also say, “In the world of wanting, there’s no scarcity, because it’s a world of innovation—not of taking. Wanters are creating things that didn’t exist before.”
By focusing on the road ahead and using the lessons from my past revisions, I’ve not only grown as a writer but also come to appreciate the progress I’ve made. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward something new and meaningful. Whether you’re chasing a dream, tackling a big project, or simply trying to improve, keep your focus on the road ahead. The past may shape us, but the future is where we create our legacy.
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