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“As a writer, self-doubt is that inner critic that creeps up to tell you that you aren’t good enough, or that your writing isn’t worthy of being published.” — www.selfpublishing.com
Many people dream of being a writer but the majority of us feel like we will not be successful. I mean we could write for fun but we don’t see how we would make any money. At least enough to pay a bill or two every month. Becoming a full-time writer is even more of a challenge.
Depending on the level of engagement that you receive from readers you may begin to doubt your writing ability. Or you may look at the success of another writer and wonder “What do they have that I don’t?” More than likely there isn’t much difference between you and the next guy but confidence, determination and consistency.
Understanding the Impact of Self-Doubt on Writing
Self-doubt can hinder your creativity. It could definitely have negative effects on your productivity and motivation. Think about why you feel the way you do. Do you suffer from imposter syndrome? Do you look at every paragraph you write and think that maybe you should leave this writing thing to those more talented, to those that have more to say about the subject, to those with more experience?
If you have any of these thoughts I have some ideas that can help you deal with your doubts.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Believe that you have something to offer to the world. That you have experience or knowledge that you can teach people to improve their lives. No, not everyone that reads your writing will love it but keep in mind that if only one person gets something from what you have written, you’ve done your job. It will more than likely be much more than one person that resonates with your material. That’s who it was meant for; they may have struggled with a problem for a while that your story helps them resolve.
As long as you write about things that you know well, you shouldn’t have many issues. And if there are parts that you are unclear on, Google is always open.
Keep in mind that even if other people write about similar topics, no one writes like you. No one had the exact same experiences you had. Only you can tell your story and if you’re passionate about it people will resonate with and respond to it.
Keep in mind that you may get negative feedback but if you look at it positively you will be able to learn something from it. Everyone didn’t learn the mechanics of constructive criticism. But you’re a smart person. Learn to read between the lines. I mean if someone just writes, “you suck” I say ignore that but if someone takes the time to explain why you suck. Think about what they are saying, especially if you hear(read) the same thing from more than one person.
Sometimes having haters is a good thing. If you have 2 haters today make it your goal to gain 10 more by the summer. ☺
Building Confidence as a Writer
In another article, I wrote about setting realistic writing goals. This will definitely help with boosting your confidence and throwing doubt out the window.
Techniques for Boosting Confidence
Imagine what your life will look like if you overcome your challenges and reach the success you’ve dreamed of, that you’ve planned for, that you’ve worked towards. Keep these thoughts in your mind as you write. It may help to write it out and stick it on the wall near your writing space. If you can draw or can find a picture of your future success that will work even better.
Give yourself little pep talks everyday before you sit down to write. “You are a good writer.” or “Thank you to all my haters because you are helping me become the best writer I can be.”
If athletes can pray before a game don’t be ashamed to pray for the Lord to help you with this gift he has put inside of you that keeps you up thinking at night and wakes you up to type early in the morning.
Conclusion
In the writing world, self-doubt often whispers that success is reserved for others. Many aspiring writers grapple with the fear of inadequacy of not feeling like you’re enough. Navigating the journey to full-time writing intensifies doubts tied to reader engagement. Yet, confidence, determination, and consistency emerge as potent allies.
Overcoming self-doubt requires recognizing your unique voice and the potential impact on even a single reader. Negative feedback is an opportunity for growth. Building confidence involves realistic goal-setting and visualizing your success. Daily affirmations or seeking divine guidance contribute to fostering belief in your abilities. Confronting and overcoming self-doubt helps you realize that you have something of value to offer to the world.
Do you have anything to add? Do you disagree with anything that I have addressed? Let’s have a conversation.