5 Ways Writers Can Overcome Fear and Doubt

Have you ever struggled with fear and doubt?  I’m sure every one of us can answer yes to that question.  We’ve all faced those giants in some area of our life.  I’m facing them now.  I’m going through the Tribe Writers course offered by Jeff Goins.  As I’ve completed some of the modules I’ve found myself feeling under qualified for lack of better phrasing.  I began to doubt myself as a writer.  I took time to be transparent with my fellow coursemates and they really jumped in and began to encourage me.  So I thought I’d take a minute and share with you five things that I know will help you defeat the giants of fear and doubt in your writing.

1. Write every day.

This is pretty self-explanatory, but let me elaborate.  When you write every day you are making it a habit.  You’re training your brain.  It’s like exercising.  Start out small.  Strive for 500 words.  It’s easier than you think to achieve that goal.  Once you reach it, then push yourself for more.  You’ll be surprised when the words start flowing like coffee at a diner.  The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

2. Remind yourself, YOU ARE A WRITER!

If you haven’t read You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins then do it!  You can pick it up on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents or if you have Kindle Unlimited you can read it for free.  This e-book helped me change my way of thinking.  Before I questioned my validity as a writer, but now I own it.  I AM A WRITER!  Remind yourself of that every day.  Write it down.  Repeat it over and over if you have to.  If you’re passion is to write and you feel like you can’t live without it. You ARE a writer. I highly recommend the book.  It may change your life.

3. Take time to polish.

This may sound like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how many writers struggle with this at first.  I know I still have trouble with it from time to time.  We have it in our heads that we have written a masterpiece on our first attempt.  That pretty much never happens.  You have to take time to do some editing.  Polish up your work.  If you share it and people give you harsh critiques it’s going to be a blow to your ego.  You have to set your ego aside and do the work.  Take the time to make it your best work.  Your readers will appreciate it.

4. Share your work.

This kind of goes hand in hand with number 3.  Share your work.  If you’re afraid of what people will think the best thing you can do is share it.  Start getting feedback.  Understand that your style may not suit everyone.  There are going to be people who don’t like it.  On the flip side of that, others are going to love it.  The more you share your work and allow yourself to grow from the critiques, the more comfortable you’ll be.

5. Change your attitude.

In my opinion this is the biggest one of all.  You have to change your attitude.  If you feel defeated and doubt yourself that’s going to show in your writing.  You have something to share and someone needs to read it.  If you automatically get defensive when someone corrects you or offers advice, you may want to grow a thicker skin.  Change your attitude so that you’ll be willing to learn.  You have to allow yourself to be teachable.  Remember, you don’t know everything.  A good attitude goes a long way.

These five things will help you overcome fear and doubt.  Practice them.  We all know that practice makes perfect.  I guarantee you’ll see a change in the way you see yourself.  Feel free to share your tips below!