Do you ever find yourself daydreaming of becoming a writer? Or what’s more, does your truest self find its voice in written form?
You’re not alone. While many people consider writing as a career, very few actually move forward with their plans. As a profession, writing takes a tremendous amount of courage, self-discipline and vulnerability. For many, making the shift from being an aspiring writer to a published author can be wrought with uncertainty.
“Am I truly good enough to write? Will anyone want to hear what I have to say? What if my work gets rejected?” Undoubtedly, every published author has grappled with fear and lack of confidence at one point or another.
However, if you want to become a strong writer, you will have to eventually stare down your fear and take a deep dive into your passion, believing your message and what you have to share are worth it. As Louis L’Amour states, “The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
Here are three simple confidence-boosting strategies you can use to push past your fear so that you can arrive safely on the other side of your writing dreams.
Commit to a Consistent Writing Regimen
Writing is like any other discipline. It takes practice and commitment. It’s a muscle that you must repeatedly exercise in order for your confidence to grow. You can’t just talk about becoming a writer. An idea without a real plan is simply a wish.
If you want to be a writer, the biggest thing you can do is acknowledge your anxiety and work to overcome it by leaning in to the very thing you’re afraid of. Put simply, in order to become a writer, you must write.
So this week focus on just getting something down on paper. Don’t make it hard. Simply move whatever is in your head out of our mind onto paper and get started writing something.
Join a Writing Community
American entrepreneur Jim Rohn said it best: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time around.” So what would your life look like if you were intentional about surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded writers, bloggers, poets, and published authors?
A community of writers is more likely to affirm your writing goals and help provide you with the resources needed to put action behind them. Moreover, having a community of supportive peers will not only encourage you to write but will keep you accountable and give you positive feedback and constructive criticism helping you evolve and grow.
In a strong writing community, you’ll see others accomplish the very things you are dreaming about and you’ll conquer your doubts and fears.
Find a Writing Coach
There are awesome coaches out there that are ready, willing and able to help guide you through the process of writing your first book or launching your first blog?
If your time is limited and fear is blocking you because you simply don’t know how to get started, then hiring a writing coach may be the perfect solution. Not only will a good writing coach help you push past your anxiety, but they’ll also provide you immediate feedback on your writing and guide you step-by-step through the process of writing and publishing your first book.
When it’s all said and done, I’m sure you’ll find like I did that the FEAR monster that’s been hanging out in your head is just that … a big bad bully who has been blocking your blessings all along.
Not sure whether your book is ready for prime time? Ask us about BookTrib’s Book Assessment Program at [email protected].
