If you find it hard

I think most human frustrations come from comparing ourselves to others and, in doing so, assume that the odds are stacked against us while whatever our object of comparison does well, they do well out of nature.

Inspiration never comes; the bills instead always do. Sometimes family happens, and there are other people’s expectations to consider. It’s because of your upbringing or a question of integrity. It’s that humiliating experience you never want to live again. And what if you fail? What if you don’t know the answer? What will they think of you?

If you could just be more like the next person, things would come easy to you too.

A sweet delusion offering a fleeting sense of freedom from responsibility but denying freedom itself.

The simple truth is that if you find something hard, it’s most likely because it is hard.

Writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time, or even the third time. Remember this in moments of despair. If you find that writing is hard, it’s because it is hard.

—William Zinsser