Parenting is a transformative journey that shapes not only the lives of children but also the perspectives and abilities of parents. For many, the unique challenges and rewarding milestones of raising children can offer invaluable lessons that profoundly influence their approach to writing and achieving success as authors. Here are six key lessons Rebecca Hamilton, founder of Seven Figure Author Career, believes motherhood teaches about finding success in the literary world, illustrated through her experience as a homeschooling mother of six children.
Lesson 1: Believe in Your Potential
The first lesson is the importance of believing in one’s potential despite the doubts of others. For Rebecca, her oldest child with autism was struggling in the public school system and was unable to read by the time he was supposed to enter the second grade. Determined to help him, she decided to homeschool him. Within three months, he was reading. Six months later, he had caught up to his age level, and by the end of the year, he was reading at a high school level. This experience taught her that the people who don’t believe in your potential won’t even try to help you achieve it. However, their skepticism doesn’t mean that success isn’t possible. As an author, encountering doubters and naysayers who don’t see your vision or believe in your potential is inevitable. Their skepticism is not a reflection of your abilities. Trust in yourself and your work, and seek out those who will support and uplift you.
Lesson 2: Identify and Address the Root of the Problem
The second lesson is about identifying and addressing the root cause of any issues that arise. Rebecca Hamilton shares that her second oldest child excelled in sports, friendships, and family, but struggled with school. For years, everyone thought she simply lacked the motivation to do her schoolwork. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with ADHD at 16 that she began to excel academically. This experience demonstrated that sometimes you are too close to something to see the problem, but once the problem is identified and addressed, flourishing becomes possible. In writing, it’s crucial to identify the root cause of any issues. Whether it’s writer’s block, lack of motivation, or structural problems in a manuscript, taking a step back and addressing the underlying issues can lead to remarkable improvements.
Lesson 3: Think Outside the Box
The third lesson is the value of thinking outside the box. Another of her children was diagnosed with PDDNOS and ADHD. Initially, the family followed the mainstream advice of medication, but it resulted in adverse side effects. Observing that her child’s problems were most severe in the afternoon, when he was more likely to be tired, she theorized that his body might be lacking something to give him energy to better handle his emotions, and so began giving him B12 at lunch. This simple change resolved the issues. This taught her that sometimes mainstream advice is wrong, and understanding the principle of a solution is just as important as implementing it. As an author, conventional wisdom may not always apply to your unique situation. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try unconventional approaches to overcome obstacles and enhance your publishing process.
Lesson 4: Trust Your Instincts
The fourth lesson is the importance of trusting your instincts. During the pregnancy of her fourth child who would be born 7 weeks prematurely, Rebecca was induced due to pre-eclampsia, but the nurse insisted the induction had failed and a c-section would be needed, despite Rebecca insisting birth was imminent. Despite the nurse not believing Rebecca was right, the baby arrived minutes later, without any further medical interventions. That was not the end of these struggles, however, nor the end of being dismissed by medical professionals. As the child grew, she experienced frequent illnesses and allergic reactions. Rebecca noticed a pattern and connected the illnesses to the allergies, often discovering solutions that doctors initially doubted. This experience reinforced that no one cares about or knows your “baby” better than you. In writing, your “baby” is your book. Trust your instincts about your work. Editors, critics, and even readers may offer advice, but ultimately, you know your story best. Stay true to your vision and protect your creation.
Lesson 5: Embrace Challenges
The fifth lesson is to embrace challenges. One of her children was suggested to be sent back to kindergarten at the start of first grade due to a lack of focus. Instead, she chose to homeschool him. By what would have been the end of his first-grade year in public school, he was close to finishing second grade, revealing that his trouble paying attention had been stemming from boredom, and not because he didn’t know the material. This experience taught Rebecca that not only is it okay to be challenged, but we are capable of more than what others around us may believe. Writing can be a challenging endeavor, filled with self-doubt and external pressures. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Push yourself beyond perceived limitations and strive for excellence.
Lesson 6: The Power of Positive Affirmation
The sixth lesson is the power of positive affirmation. Rebecca’s youngest child had a language delay and was labeled as nonverbal. On her mother’s advice, she began referring to him as “pre-verbal” instead. Remarkably, within a week, he started using words. As they continued to use positive language, his development accelerated. This taught her that what we speak over ourselves, our lives, and our loved ones can influence outcomes. The power of positive affirmation is immense. As an author, affirm your abilities and the potential success of your work. Speak positivity over your writing career and believe in the abundance that awaits you. If anyone tells you otherwise, remember the first lesson: the doubters don’t define your potential.
Motherhood offers profound lessons that extend far beyond parenting. These lessons can shape one’s approach to writing and achieving success as an author. By believing in potential, identifying and addressing root problems, thinking outside the box, trusting instincts, embracing challenges, and harnessing the power of positive affirmation, writers can navigate the literary world with confidence and resilience. The journey as an author, much like parenting, is unique and filled with opportunities for growth and triumph.