Importance Of Bird By Bird: The Keys To Success

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The Keys to Success: Believing in Yourself and Taking Life Slow Martin Luther King Jr., a priest, advocate, and a strong leader in the Civil Rights Movement, once stated, “You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”. Dr. King understood the frustrations of not always seeing the end goal and the fear that came with it. He wanted to encourage and support his fellow advocates through their journey and calm their nerves. He wanted to ensure they would not give up too soon and that fighting for an unknown resolution was okay. This idea is prominent throughout the story Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, written by Anne Lamont. This short read hits some interesting and quintessential themes of believing …show more content…

Anne Lamott does a superb job of outlining the best ways to slow down, breathe, and still be able to accomplish all of a person’s duties. Her advice to "take it bird by bird" encases the nature of the theme, while encouraging readers to break down any formidable tasks into smaller, more attainable steps (Lamott). This advice applies not only to writing but also to many of life's other challenges and in doing so teaches readers the significance of fortitude and perseverance. By concentrating on the impending task at hand, represented by a "one-inch picture frame," people are able to assuage feelings of being overburdened and can take back a sense of control over their lives. This attitude spotlights the power of phased progress, exemplifying that even the most colossal tasks can be attacked one at a time. Along with this structured approach, Lamott encourages readers to take on any unsettling challenges that arise with stride and a resilient but caring mindset which is conducive to a sustainable plan towards achievement. Maintaining this mindset while approaching a task will ultimately lead to higher chances of success and more opportunities will be …show more content…

Lamott elucidates this struggle by painting a picture of mental illness as if it is crawling in like "your sickest, most secretive relatives," illuminating the internal conflict writers undertake against anxiety and self-doubt (Lamott). This imagery captures the psychological turbulence implicit in creative avenues, allowing it to resonate clearly with readers who have experienced similar struggles within their endeavors. Further, Lamott's recollection of the essence of writing as a "desperate endeavor" accentuates the emotional and psychological obstacles implicit in creative paths (Lamott). By acknowledging the fundamental needs that buttress the act of writing—to be seen, heard, and to make sense of one's life—Lamott bears witness to the struggles faced by writers and, by extension, individuals chasing their dreams. Her blunt representation of these struggles resonates profoundly with readers, stimulating a sense of empathy and understanding for the often audacious journey of self-expression and