Today’s Prompt is: Discuss common writing fears and how do you overcome them?
Introduction
Most if not all writers experience some type of fear as it pertains to their writing. Either they feel like they aren’t really qualified to write about their chosen subject or they’re afraid that they will suck at writing forever and may never experience success. Some writers are afraid of what their friends and family will say about their chosen career field.
I have experienced all of these issues and sometimes they still pop up. But you can learn to work around these fears and become the best writer you can be.
Imposter Syndrome
Some people that suffer from imposter syndrome feel like they don’t deserve success and so they sabotage any progress that they make towards their goals. Then there are others, like me, who struggle with the idea of having authority in a niche. But if you have gone through something successfully you have proven your authority.
I’ve learned to keep in mind that there’s someone out there who can learn from my story and I owe it to them to spill the tea.
This is a problem that may never go away but you just have to learn how to put a muzzle on that thing when you’re trying to get a project done.
Keep thinking about the fact that you have a gift and that gift is not just for your benefit, you have to share it with other people. If you have a solution to a problem, you have to provide that solution to other people. Whether you put it on your blog or you package it into a product, you have to make it available to other people who have that same problem and are in need of your solution.
Fear of Failure
I’ve never liked failing at anything. Not school, not work, not life in general. You probably feel the same way. That’s why I put a lot of thought into how I plan what I’m going to write about. There’s always a grand metric in the back of my mind that I would like to achieve but I try to be realistic.
Even though I know how to write, not many people know that. Even though I have years of experience learning and practicing my craft I’ve just recently found my niche and embraced it.
You have to give people time to catch up with your greatness.
That’s called positive self-talk, you should try it.
Fear of Judgment
The world is filled with judgy people. You, yourself may be judgmental to a certain extent. If you want your readers to be able to resonate with your content you have to show them how you overcame the struggles that you are trying to help them with. Yes, that means getting a bit personal.
I don’t like telling people that I have been an aspiring writer for over 30+ years but it’s necessary to show that I know what fear is and I am now qualified to help other people with their writing fears. Just keep in mind that you are trying to help people not make the same mistakes that you did. You’re trying to keep them from waiting until half their life is over before they try to pursue their purpose.
The older I get, the judgment thing doesn’t bother me much. Most people I know speak their minds no matter what the subject matter is. When I was little, that was a trait reserved for older people. Nowadays, young people say whatever they want to say unapologetically.
I like to keep my writing in the middle. You have to give just enough information to get your point across but not so much to turn people off and away from your content.
Conclusion
Overcoming common writing fears is a journey that every writer must embark on to reach their full potential. Imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and fear of judgment are all hurdles that can be overcome with perseverance and a positive mindset.
Remember, your voice and experiences are unique and valuable, and sharing them with the world can inspire and help others. Embrace your fears as opportunities for growth, and continue honing your craft to become the best writer you can be. Stay true to yourself, keep pushing forward, and never underestimate the power of your words.