Transform Screenwriting Jealousy into Success: 5 Proven Strategies for Writers

Feeling jealous of other, more "successful"screenwriters? You’re not alone. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also completely normal. To borrow from Kathryn Merteuil: everybody feels it, very few admit it. So let’s take a moment to put it on the table.

But before envy runs the show, it’s worth asking: what does “success” even mean? Here’s the not-so-secret truth: success looks different for everyone. Sure, a paycheck, an Emmy, or a multi-season pick-up are powerful milestones. But are those really the only reasons we crack open Final Draft and pour ourselves into our stories?

Maybe.

Maybe it’s for other reasons, too, and we can use our jealousy of others to motivate ourselves into being better screenwriters. And while we’re at it, we’ll swap out "better" for "more productive". Sound good?

Here are five ways to turn your screenwriting jealousy into fuel. 

1. Commit to writing as a habit, not just a hobby. No, seriously. Sit your butt in the desk chair, coffee shop, or wherever else you best create, and write. At first, without editing. Start with five minutes a day, and allow for more time if you’re able or inspired. But plan for five minutes to start. If we all know one thing, starting can be the hardest part sometimes! So if you can find five minutes to scroll social media, you can find five minutes to write.

   Writing regularly is the perfect way to reset your resentment about other screenwriters’ success stories. Those five minutes can be spent writing on your WIP, or in a journal to dissect your feelings. In fact, identifying where your jealousy comes from can help you reframe it. Lean into the jealousy! Feel it, wallow in it, catastrophize if you must - then release it once it’s out of your body and onto the page. And look at that: by doing the very thing we envy in others (getting the writing done!), we’ve cleared space for new ideas and fresh creativity to flow in.
   
   

2. Pick a purpose. Now that we've made space and hopefully gotten into a bit of a routine, we can get into the nitty gritty of why we're writing and what we're writing towards. By identifying exactly what we're jealous of, we can use that info to look inward to discern our own perceived weaknesses and strengths. Get specific about your dreams, break them down into actionable goals, and focus on the path ahead.

   Consistently working away on your projects can fuel that accomplished feeling as well. Because if we're working hard, that gratification slowly starts to outweigh any grudges. We start to remember why we began opening that Final Draft doc to begin with. By focusing on your craft and your process, and championing others instead of playing the comparison game, you shift towards more revisions that hone and elevate your own work, bringing you just that much closer to success. You can be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your best competition! How can you do better in your writing? Because in this industry, the only thing we can control is our own work ethic and getting our story on the page.
   
   

3. Declutter your writing life. This refers to cleaning off your desk, as well as the naysayers out of your life. Words of caution from concerned Loved Ones who mean well is one thing, but ongoing toxic negativity is another, and possibly a root of your own negativity towards those with more perceived success. 

   Start with your writing space. If it's in a home office, what in that area no longer serves you? Maybe it's time to toss or donate what's cluttering your physical space to give your mind a clear line of sight and laser-focus on what really matters: the writing. On the flip side, if you tend to write everywhere and anywhere, setting up a physical place for writing only can create an instant mindset shift that when you enter this space, your brain knows it's time to sit down and get to work.

   Now, moving into the emotional decluttering phase, ask yourself: as you transition from one season of life to the next, which routines, actions, memories, lessons, or even friendships move with you in a positive light, and which ones cast a shadow on your writing habits, dreams, and aspirations? What shines deserves to stay and cheer you on your journey. The rest may need to be released; thanked for what it taught you, then let go. This can be especially difficult when it comes to people, but it's worth some honest introspection. By creating this space, you allow a healthier writing life to emerge and flourish.
   
   

4. Pick up a hobby. We've talked about journaling to get to the root of your jealousy, as well as decluttering emotionally and physically to make space for new creativity. Now, it's time to step outside your comfort zone a little, because no one did anything fantastic (like getting that screenplay made that you're so jealous of!) by not taking a risk or two. Put yourself out there and learn something new. I don't just mean crochet or a new language on Duolingo. I mean insights from a different perspective that can subsequently be used in your future writing. 

   Redirecting your time and energy into other interests can open up a whole new world. It can introduce you to new characters, deepen your empathy and understanding, and reveal more about humanity, and yourself, in the process. In fact, doing things other than writing can help you reconnect with people, activities and things in life that matter outside of your writing world, and be a lovely reminder that you are outside of what you create on the page. 
   
   

5. Channel your jealousy into community. I believe it's entirely possible that a large part of screenwriting jealousy comes not from a comparison of the writing itself, or even that the other work in question is more successful, but that it's out there, and mine isn't. Plain and simple. Sharing your writing can be a very powerful tool. It can be scenes with your writing group for feedback, essays on your story, subject matter, or the art of screenwriting itself, or even dropping bits of your story on socials. The practice of sharing your words in these small ways makes it easier when it comes to sharing and pitching the Big Stuff—like a completed screenplay! It's also a Baby Step to shaking off that jealousy. By sharing your work, that engagement with others through the process will cultivate empathy rather than jealousy; you'll be so busy doing that you won't have time for that unwanted green-eyed monster, resentment.

   And don't forget to give back! Somebody giving you notes? Offer to give some right back on their project. Support your writing group peers and critique partners through the lows as much as you celebrate the wins. Chances are, they're feeling the same as you, and could use a boost! The key is authenticity. Instead of turning green, try reframing that into feeling encouragement, excitement, and overall positivity for your fellow screenwriter. Over time, that instinct to feel happiness for other screenwriters will kick in naturally and leave no room for jealous feelings. Like practicing gratitude, the more you're thankful for, and the more you genuinely support others in your writing sphere, the higher likelihood of it coming back full circle. 

Remember that fluid definition of success? We write because on some level, writing simply brings us joy. It's our small way of contributing to the world in a positive way. So if you wrote today, or any day this week and it brought you some happiness, is that not a version of success? If you're happier, you're going to greet the day and everyone in it with just a little bit more patience and understanding. That makes writing a worthy pass time, I would say. So ditch the jealousy and do you.

This is your friendly reminder that only you can write the story you want to share. The world deserves to hear it.