We writers have a reputation for taking everything personally.

Many of us would describe ourselves as introverted artists who are highly sensitive. We tend to absorb other people’s emotions and have a hard time letting things go.

Am I right? Or am I right?

This can make it hard to build an audience over the long haul. Here’s one way to handle it: take nothing personally.

Remember that every comment, every review, and everything other people say has more to do with their perspective and emotional state than it does you.

This is where your observation skills as a writer can come in handy.

Whenever someone says something you don’t like or makes a negative or critical observation, examine it like a doctor does a patient. See if it’s true and make a correction if needed. But do so without letting it affect your self-worth or identity.

Nobody said this was easy. It’s not. But it’s necessary if you are going to keep your sanity and stay emotionally healthy.

Today’s Challenge: Ask yourself if it’s hard or easy to avoid taking things personally. Why or why not?