Self doubt comes in many forms – procrastination, imposter syndrome, perfectionism. All of which I’m suffering from right now in the midst of putting a novel out to the public…Crippling Self-Doubt When You Need To Write Your Novel, this is where I’m at, maybe you are too?
My first book was released a year ago and it went fairly well – my reviews were good, I got interest from social media and took part in various reader blogs for exposure. Things were good – not amazing…I didn’t go viral or get approached by a big publishing company, movie company or selected to be on Reece Witherspoon’s book club! No, not amazing, but it was good…
It has now been a whole year since that book’s release, and since then I have written 3 more books! But 3 books I have not released…I am still editing, and re-editing. That sounds fine right? Editing a book takes time, writing a book takes time – but I’ve been stuck on editing the same book for 2 years…2 years!
What’s holding me back? Good question, that brings me to the root of the problem.
Self Doubt!
Who would want to buy another one of my books?
No one will buy, which will mean I’ll need to give up writing altogether – maybe I should just quit!
My writing is so basic, seriously, people will fall asleep reading it
Those unhelpful thoughts cloud my mind.
When does it stop? How does it stop? How do you know how long to keep going and when to give up?
Here’s the secret… It’s not going to go away, but it will get better. If you change your mindset on how you look at your self doubt, then when it rears its ugly head again- you know what to expect and how to work through it.
I am fighting against myself daily, but I realised I’m not alone, and that very reason helped me.
These are the things I’ve learned with my writing process..
Crippling Self-Doubt When You Need To Write Your Novel
Acknowledging What Your Ego Is Saying
What are you telling yourself when that fear kicks in?
Ego is part of your neuro-physiological system, and it helps protect your self-image and self-worth.
Our ego’s are there to protect us from the unknown. Accept that your ego is protecting you. Listen to what your ego is saying. For example – “You can’t do that – people will laugh?”
Where are these thoughts coming from? Did someone say these words to you as a child? Or is it what you might think someone in particular would say to you?
Really spend time here and listen to that self doubt. I do this alot, it takes so much time – but once you have shone a light on it, it makes it less powerful.
“Hello darkness my old friend” – give love to that part of you, your ego. Listen, show it love, but also tell it why it’s wrong…and to go away.
You Are Enough
You are enough. You are not just worthy because of the work you do. It is who you are – everything about you that is wonderful. Do not put everything you are into your writing/book/blog. You are so much more than that. It’s not about the people around you. Do what you love if you feel a calling to do it.
You are unique and deserve to share your uniqueness with the world.
Get Those Expectations Down & Improve
Keep doing what you do and you will get there. If nothing else, writing more will improve your skill. So don’t spend too long perfecting, put it out into the world and do the next book.
Don’t Waste Compliments
We all need reasurrance from others, it’s not the best trait – but sometimes it’s required! Why not ask a friend for support, someone who will give you a gentle pat on the back. Or if you have already received good reviews on something you have done before, why not go back and re-read them. Maybe you have good amazon reviews/received an email/been praised on social media.
Go and read these, I give you permission to do this…it’ll give you a boost!
Celebrate What You’ve Done So Far
You are your worst critic. What would you tell a friend? If your friend was working this hard on a project just like you are now, what would you say to them?
Good job, try not to fret, go with your gut, do it and learn from it, you got this, i love you!
Well say those things to yourself…now!
You Got This
Adapt how you look at your work and your mindset. Small steps, but gradually over time you will get better. It’s a muscle to work through, and these tips and techniques are to help each time self doubt and fear take hold.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you faced self doubt, just as you’re about to release something into the world? I’d love to hear how you conquered it..
If you enjoyed this, please have a peek at my previous post – Don’t wait for your passion to grow, just pick something now!
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