I have been practicing my writing for more than 30 years so I have often had feelings of inadequacy. But something pushed me to keep going. I kept thinking that things would get greater later. I just needed to write more. But work, parenting and life in general kept getting in the way.
Plus, let’s admit, I was scared. Even though I feared rejection, regret for never really trying would have hurt even more.
Now that disability has forced me to retire from my good government job, I am blessed to still have the ability to write. I can still make my dreams come true typing on my phone with one finger. I can make sure I have no regrets.
Understanding the Source of Self-Doubt
Many writers experience imposter syndrome which can hinder them from writing or living up to their potential. If you compare your writing journey to others, it may make you feel like you’re not doing anything worthwhile.
But you probably don’t realize that the people that you idealize have the same fears you do. The difference is that they continue to write despite their fears. They’ve learned to transform their fears into fuel for their writing journey.
Harry Potter author, J K Rowling, was rejected 12 times before finally getting published. Despite the success of her books and the movies based on the books she still experiences self-doubt but imagine how much worse she would have felt if she didn’t keep trying.
The Cost of Regret
I’m sure you’ve heard about people having flashbacks of their lives on their deathbed. Yes, it sounds morbid but hear me out. You do not want to make it to your last day with regrets. You want to be able to say, “I did the best I could. Take me now, Lord.”
You may or may not believe this but that thing that keeps weighing on your mind and heart is why you were put on this earth in the first place. God gave you an assignment along with the resources to make it happen, don’t disappoint Him.
Strategies to Keep Writing Despite Self-Doubt
Embrace Imperfection
Keep in mind that your first draft will never be perfect. The key is to bring it up to standard in the revision process. Sometimes you have to let your writing sit and marinate before you can call it done.
Set Realistic Goals
Be smart when setting your goals. It’s great to be ambitious but set attainable goals. Something that can boost your confidence to carry you through to the next task.
Seek Support and Feedback
Those cool people that you follow, try to form a relationship with them. Let them know what you’re trying to do. You never know, you may get a mentor or at least a good friend to bounce ideas off of. Pay attention to their advice though. That doesn’t mean that you just blindly do what they tell you to because everyone is different. Just be mindful of their advice.
Develop a Writing Routine
If you have a day job, write before and after work, on your lunch break, at Junior’s baseball practice. But if you work from home, set aside blocks of time to get your writing done when there are no distractions.
Focus on Progress not Perfection
There is only one perfect person and he’s rooting for you to finish your assignment on earth. Continue to make progress and you will make it to the finish line.
The Power of Persistence
I love reading stories about people that have gone through struggles but have managed to overcome them. Their stories inspire me to be persistent in achieving my goals.
Even though I always loved to write I must say that sometimes my writing sucks, but I continue to do what I can to improve. Getting feedback from readers is a major confidence booster, which is why I write on several different platforms in a number of formats.
Conclusion
Persevering through feelings of inadequacy is crucial for every writer. Remember, regret hurts worse than rejection. Embrace the journey and apply these strategies to keep writing:
- Embrace Imperfection: Understand that the first draft is never perfect. Improvement comes in the revision process.
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for achievable milestones to boost your confidence.
- Seek Support and Feedback: Build relationships with fellow writers to exchange ideas.
- Develop a Writing Routine: Dedicate specific times for writing.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Strive for continuous improvement rather than unattainable perfection.
Keep writing and transform your fears into fuel for your creative journey.