What If You Suck @Writing?

Our writing groups are filled with the concern of, "Am I good enough." We may not be prepared for the hits, but we definitely put ourselves out there. Then, reality comes. We have the ever faithful encourager who push the positive notion that we are doing good because we write for the love of practice or hobby. 

What happens when someone tells us our writing isn't very good? 
Passion can lead to persistence but passion does not equal good. 
There are clearly levels of great, good, & greatly needs improvement. Criticism is hard to swallow. 

Anyone who starts something will get better at it. But, there comes a time when success is measured. Unfortunately, too may people give us the irresponsible statements..."You can be whatever you want to be; whatever you put your mind to..." Science and reality TV proves that not everyone is going to make the cut, no matter how much they enjoy the task.  Everyone is is not physically or mentally designed for the greatest of everything.

Writing is the same. We want our book to be shared by the thousands. We all have a few goals to achieve. In the end, success will be measured in numbers or simple accomplishments.

So, you discover you are not that good. This doesn't mean quit. Write because you love to write and your family loves your stuff. It really is fun to be lost in your own stories. But don't let it define you or discourage you. Something bigger is out there waiting for you to pick it up and run. 

So how do you measure success with writing?
1) Don't ask momma: don't just ask the pleasers in your life. They love you and will never hurt your feelings on purpose.
2) Seek wisdom: Seek the experienced opinion. Listen to the wisdom of those who have been around the block verses the wannabes who think they know all there is after crafting one book. 
3) Check all the factors - Are you getting better? How are you measuring success? Are you giving up early or just spinning wheels too many years later?