In the previous two entries in this series, we have taken a look at the destructive nature of jealousy, and why you should focus on what you can do to make yourself successful rather than spending your emotional energy being envious.

Let’s dive into three questions that will help you focus on attitudes and actions that will spur your writing success. We’ll tackle the first one here today. Also, notice that each one begins with “what.”

The first question is: What can I learn from this person?

When you think of another writer who is successful, and if you’re honest, you’re jealous of them, they have something you want. They might have better name recognition, more income, more people’s attention, or more of something else. I can easily tick off two dozen writers in my own orbit who fit this category.

When we’re jealous of someone, we begin to think of them in a negative light. At our worst, we wish they weren’t so successful. That’s why jealousy is so insidious and destructive. At its worst, jealousy is less about wanting someone’s success and more about wanting their failure.

We need to flip this scenario around. Instead of wanting to take away someone else’s success, we should figure out how we can get to their level. What people, books, habits, and experiences helped them be successful?

If they have a blog, subscribe to it. If they wrote a book, read it. If they have a Facebook group, join it. If they are on Twitter, ask them questions.

That person has done some things that can help you be more successful. So set aside your own ego for a moment and humbly ask, “What can I learn from this person?” It will change your own attitude and also help you focus on tangible activities that produce results for you.

Daily Question: Think of another writer more successful than you. What are three things they have done that you can start doing in your own writing or business as well?