Believing in Yourself

 

No one ever promised that a career in writing would be easy.   Unlike other jobs, a writer must believe in themselves in order to be successful, but how can you do that?  Especially as a new writer, having the confidence to forge ahead with your writing career can be a struggle.

Here are some important ways that all writers can increase their confidence;

1.      Commit to what you are doing.  I realize that sounds overly simple, but it is essential.  To be successful you can’t halfway commit.  Show your commitment by publicly sharing your intent to write.  Tell your family and friends, list writing as your profession on your Facebook profile or other social media. Don’t be afraid to tell people that you are working on a novel – most of the people you meet are wishing they had the courage to pursue their dreams.  Your courageous commitment can be an inspiration to them as well.  To be committed also means you are willing to work on it every day.  Show your commitment by continually practicing your skills; find whatever works for you and do it often, whether that’s journaling or daily blogging, find a way to keep getting better.  Practice, Practice, Practice.  I have committed to write at least 500 words every single day for a month, no days off and no excuses.  Some days will be easier than others, but that’s what commitment is all about – every day, whether it an easy day or a really tough one, and that commitment will help give you the confidence to succeed. 

2.      Celebrate every success.  If you read my earlier blog post about reaching your goals, I was bragging about making it to 10,000 words in my current book.  It isn’t that much, but for me it’s a milestone.  When you do something great, take time to celebrate.  Every milestone increases your level of confidence.   Shout it from the rooftops, and feel proud.  Each success will propel you even further.  I am so lucky to have an amazing set of cheerleaders every time I do something good, they help me celebrate.  My fiancé is so encouraging and my daughters are so supportive, plus I have a great network of friends.  I share what I am doing on social media and the positive feedback and reinforcement I get back is invaluable.  Use your family and friends to give you that needed pat on the back. 

3.      Constantly create.  Celebrate the creative soul that you are and trust yourself to share your words and ideas.  Don’t waste time second guessing, that’s what the editing process is for.  This may be the hardest part, but focus on being present and in the current moment.  Let go of everything else and just create.  Find the time and space that you need, put on your headphones, go outside, whatever it takes to get your creative juices going and let it flow.  The biggest confidence boost you can have is simply to believe in yourself and allow yourself to go for it.  Fear won’t magically disappear, struggles won’t magically go away, but if you can just get out of your own way, you will be astounded at all that you can accomplish.

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

So in the words of the Journey song, "Don't stop believing"