The great thing about the Internet is the wealth of information that teaches us about writing and publishing. That’s also the worst thing about the Internet, because you become inundated with the latest and greatest advice. About the time you feel you have grasp how to accomplish or succeed in an aspect of the business, along comes change and someone else with a better idea, who swears that what used to be no longer works. This Internet yoyo can become exhaustive.

We often just react to whatever it is without dissecting whether or not this change is applicable to us. Too many times we assume it’s okay because we don’t have to time to vet everything we see. On the other hand, there’s always the risk of shutting down, no longer able to absorb everything.

Per business guru Seth Godin, when change stands before us, we can:

Deny the change. In other words, we say it isn’t so, consider it a personal affront, and blow it off.

Give up our effort, period. The powerlessness that comes from too much change makes us quit.

Take control and force things our way. The new is considered wrong, without consideration.

Be willing to change, but only after a weighed consideration of what we are currently doing versus what could be done. But that means being aware of your strengths, holding onto them, and using them to your advantage while considering said change. You are wise enough to accept change if you deem it useful, but not at the risk of going off the path and losing the goodness you’ve already built.

Be aware of who you are. Know your goals. Become familiar with your strengths. Feel the footing beneath you, and don’t be so quick to bend to the latest fad. Be strong, but be willing to give change a chance, as long as it improves who and what you already are. Remain genuine.