Self-Confidence
Do you ever doubt your abilities as a writer? Many of us require constant assurance that our work is good. We need the praise of our families and friends to boost our confidence back up when it slips, and it will slip.
While it is natural and important to value praise, you must develop motivation within yourself and work to build your self-confidence. Remind yourself that you can improve your writing skills, that no one is ‘born’ a good writer.
You need to discard negative thoughts about your potential as a writer. Wad them up and throw them in the trash can. I read this wonderful quote on a Writer’s Forum, posted by several members at different times. I don’t know who the originator was, but I believe it is very encouraging and should be written on a sticky note and attached to the monitors of all who doubt themselves.
Apprehensions may have developed because others were critical of your work or perhaps you were too critical of yourself. Maybe someone told you to scrap everything except that one great sentence.
Most of us grew up being taught not to brag. We were told “Don’t toot your own horn, let others do it for you.” That may be okay in a workplace where what you do is seen by others.
But writing is a solitary act. No one sees the amount of effort and time you’ve invested, or the tears and emotion wrung from your being. We need a little recognition and praise once in a while just to keep from giving up.
Where do we get it? Readers can’t give it until the book is published, reviewers give it along with the criticisms necessary to get it published. The one person best to give you praise along the way is yourself.
You will need this ability, especially when you feel discouraged or frustrated by the reactions of friends or reviewers.
Taking pride in your achievements is not bragging. Instead of focusing on the negatives, take a moment to congratulate yourself for that particularly fine descriptive scene you wrote, or that wonderful character only you could have created. Hey, you wrote a great sentence! Celebrate!
Praise yourself for being able to enjoy your work.
Write for the joy of writing. Write only to please yourself. Your writing will reflect the pleasure you’re taking. You’ll be amazed at the confidence you gain, and it is that confidence which will soon become evident in the quality of work you churn out.
Do you ever doubt your abilities as a writer? Many of us require constant assurance that our work is good. We need the praise of our families and friends to boost our confidence back up when it slips, and it will slip.
While it is natural and important to value praise, you must develop motivation within yourself and work to build your self-confidence. Remind yourself that you can improve your writing skills, that no one is ‘born’ a good writer.
You need to discard negative thoughts about your potential as a writer. Wad them up and throw them in the trash can. I read this wonderful quote on a Writer’s Forum, posted by several members at different times. I don’t know who the originator was, but I believe it is very encouraging and should be written on a sticky note and attached to the monitors of all who doubt themselves.
You don’t have to get it right the first time.
Isn’t that good news? Say it three times out loud and remember it.
Isn’t that good news? Say it three times out loud and remember it.
Apprehensions may have developed because others were critical of your work or perhaps you were too critical of yourself. Maybe someone told you to scrap everything except that one great sentence.
Most of us grew up being taught not to brag. We were told “Don’t toot your own horn, let others do it for you.” That may be okay in a workplace where what you do is seen by others.
But writing is a solitary act. No one sees the amount of effort and time you’ve invested, or the tears and emotion wrung from your being. We need a little recognition and praise once in a while just to keep from giving up.
Where do we get it? Readers can’t give it until the book is published, reviewers give it along with the criticisms necessary to get it published. The one person best to give you praise along the way is yourself.
You will need this ability, especially when you feel discouraged or frustrated by the reactions of friends or reviewers.
Taking pride in your achievements is not bragging. Instead of focusing on the negatives, take a moment to congratulate yourself for that particularly fine descriptive scene you wrote, or that wonderful character only you could have created. Hey, you wrote a great sentence! Celebrate!
Praise yourself for being able to enjoy your work.
Write for the joy of writing. Write only to please yourself. Your writing will reflect the pleasure you’re taking. You’ll be amazed at the confidence you gain, and it is that confidence which will soon become evident in the quality of work you churn out.
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