WHEN SELF-DOUBT STRIKES: TIPS TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR WRITING

Along the journey of creative writing, many writers tend to experience the feeling of self-doubt, recurring concurrently. Has it become a habit to stare blankly at your screen, wondering if your words are worth reading? Or lacking better ideas compared to what other writers will write?

These are trials that great writers like Maya Angelou and J.K. Rowling encountered, so you might not be an exception. But know that self-doubt is not a reflection of our abilities as writers.

However, in this article, we will explore strategies to help you overcome self-doubting and regain confidence in your writing.

WHAT IS SELF-DOUBT?

Self-doubt is a lack of confidence regarding yourself and your abilities. It’s a critical mindset that prevents you from believing in yourself, and what you can achieve. This mindset can be debilitating, making you question your every move, and second-guess your decisions.

HOW CAN YOU RECOGNISE SELF-DOUBT?

The best way to recognize self-doubt is by examining yourself if you fall under these categories;

• Fear of failure or rejection
• Procrastination
• Comparison to other writers
• Having negative self-talk

STRATEGIES TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR WRITING

1. REFRAIN FROM NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

Judging from the popular quote by James Allen “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts”, you will find out that thoughts of the mind can define your progress. Instead of incorporating negative thoughts, limiting your ability, why not get encouraged and think positively?

2. SET REALISTIC GOALS AND DEADLINES

Goal-setting is one of the essential ways of keeping up the writing pace. As a writer, it’s advisable to break your writing projects into smaller tasks and focus on completing one task at a time. For better improvement, you can try out these exercises;

• Set a specific writing goal for the week (e.g., write 1000 words)
• Break down that goal into smaller tasks (e.g., 200 words per day)
• Make sure you create a schedule that you can stick to

3. AVOID COMPARISON

Be rest assured that everyone in life has different abilities, and methods of succeeding. Comparing yourself with others will not only prevent you from striving harder but will also make you lose confidence in the little you can do. Be yourself.

4. GET POSITIVE IDEAS FROM OTHER WRITERS

Instead of wallowing in jealousy and dreadful comparison, seeking ideas from fellow writers can be of great aid in your writing journey. Always believe that no one is an island of knowledge, but constructive feedback can help gain a fresh perspective. There are better ways you can make this happen, such as;

• Joining a writing club/group where you share ideas with other writers
• Being open to criticism/accepting corrections
• Attending impactful seminars

5. MAINTAIN PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

Taking care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being can help maintain your writing confidence. Set apart time for activities that nourish the mind, body and soul, such as:

• Exercise
• Meditation
• Reading
• Spending time with your loved ones

6. APPRECIATE SMALL WINS

Acknowledging and celebrating milestones, no matter how small it is, is a great way of boosting your confidence, and giving you hope of more wins to come.

7. THINK BACK TO YOUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS

When you feel like you are not doing it right and also on the verge of giving up, try reflecting on past achievements; this can help boost your ego.

8. READ PAST EXPERIENCES OF OTHER GREAT WRITERS

Writers like Maya Angelou, J.k. Rowlings, Stephen King and the likes, have stories to tell about their writing journey, the numerous rejections they had to face, rigorous writing challenges, and how they came through. Their life experiences could be a better inspiration to writers facing similar challenges.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THAT CAN EXACERBATE SELF-DOUBT

In addition to these strategies, it’s essential to be aware of certain obstacles that can increase self-doubt, such as:

1. Criticism: When your work is being criticized, develop a growth mindset and view criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember that constructive criticism can help you refine your craft and produce better work.

2. Rejection: Remind yourself that rejection is a normal part of the writing process and don’t give up. Keep writing! Every successful writer has faced rejection at some point in their career. Instead of dwelling on rejection, focus on what you can learn from the experience and how you can improve your work.

3. Perfectionism: Recognize that perfection is an unattainable goal and that it’s okay to make mistakes. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on producing your best work and continually improving your skills in writing.

4. Failure: Acknowledge that failure is an inevitable part of the writing process, but it’s not a reflection of your worth as a writer. Instead of fearing failure, focus on what you can learn from the experience and how you can use it to improve your work.

By being aware of these obstacles and developing strategies to overcome them, you can build resilience and maintain confidence in your writing abilities.

CONCLUSION

Self-doubt may be a persistent voice, but it’s not the only one. Deep down, you have a unique voice, perspective, and story that’s waiting to be shared with the world. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from unleashing your creativity and making a meaningful impact.

Think about it. Your experiences, insights, and ideas have the power to inspire, educate, and connect with others in a way that no one else can. By sharing your voice, you’ll not only build confidence in your writing, but you’ll also contribute to a more diverse and vibrant conversation.

So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear of rejection, fear of failure, or fear of not being good enough? Whatever it is, know that you’re not alone. Every writer, regardless of their level of success, has struggled with self-doubt at some point.

But here’s the thing; know that self-doubt doesn’t have to define you. By incorporating the strategies outlined in this article into your daily writing practice, you will be better equipped to overcome self-doubt and unlock your full potential.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step today and start writing with confidence. Your unique voice is waiting to be heard. Don’t let self-doubt silence it.