Another thing I have learned is that there seem to be ranks of "success" and "failures," and that if you aim for a big potential "success/failure," all the other targets you are shooting at pale in comparision.

For instance as I've mentioned I am applying to MFA programs this fall. I am also, as I usually do, continuing to submit my writing for potential publication at various lit mags around the everywhere.

I get rejected for publication a lot more than accepted and sometimes that sucks and sometimes it sucks more. Like the time I got a rejection back 2 hours after I sent in my stuff. But you know what? I'm applying for MFAs now, and I'm terrified. And all of a sudden all my publication submissions seem like small change in comparison to the weight of the MFA programs and their pending success/failures.

I'm not saying that's great, haha. I guess what I am saying is there is always a bigger fish. Once you feel like you are used to one arena you will find there is another one you want to conquer and it will be just as terrifying and nerve-wracking as this one was, when you climbed into it the first time.