Stop Doubting Your Ability

15 Ways to Boost Your Confidence in Your Writing: Kill the Doubt Stop Doubting Your Ability to Write The first blog post I had ever written for this blog scared me senseless. I knew the material after years assisting Expert Authors and leading an incredible group of editors, but that first post ... I stared a blank screen. I wrote a few lines, deleted them, wrote a few lines, deleted them, and continued repeating the cycle. I checked email and caught up on a few other projects. When Penny hinted at my approaching deadline for it, I finally locked the door to my office and churned out one of the worst drafts I've likely ever written in my life. But that's okay! It's just the first draft, so who cares?! The first draft is always the toughest, but it didn't defeat me and it certainly doesn't have to defeat you. Through confiding in Penny and getting feedback from other writers, it dawned on me, like many of you may have experienced when you began writing or are experiencing right now: It's not your skills getting in the way of your first draft. It's your confidence in your writing that's holding you back. Here are 15 ways you can give your writing confidence a shot in the arm to get through any period of doubt and back into the writing saddle.

Let It Go

It's Time to Let Go Does it seem like there's a wall between you and your ability to succeed? Are you sure it's not you? When it comes to success, we can be our own worst enemy. Today, I want you to read this list and truly consider, "am I doing this to myself?" For each point that you are, I want you to write down the last three words of each point that applies to you: "Let _____ go." Post each phrase in a location where you will (consciously and unconsciously) see it as a daily reminder. Rewrite it every time you start feeling procrastination creep in or those negative thoughts niggle at the back of your brain. Look at your note and say it out loud - use it as a mantra to reframe your thinking and begin working positively on your writing goals. You can do this. Ready? Of course you are! Let's begin. 10 Things You Need to Give Up Before You Can Succeed