Hello fellow creatives!
We’ve all experienced the depths of our Doubt, and boy, it’s not fun. So where does it come from and how do we combat it? People can say the cruelest of things, and yet, when we say those things to ourselves, about our own writing, we allow it. We even back it up with reasons to prove it’s rubbish. Let’s be honest, sometimes we are our own harshest critique.
How would you feel if a stranger said your writing was crap? Seriously, how? Hurt? Angry? Crushed? It’s time we learnt to be kind to ourselves.
If only we were taught as children to see the best in ourselves. To see failure as progress. And to problem solve our doubts away. I think we’d take that nagging critical voice and lock it away. Or we’d shout back at that voice: How dare you speak to me like that. I deserve more respect. I’ve worked tirelessly on my writing and I will continue to improve.
Now that’s a world I’d like to live in.
Here are my top five tips on beating doubt and crushing that nagging internal voice, because we can, and we will, succeed.
1. Realization. When we Pay Attention to doubt we can stop it dead in its tracks. I don’t mean get out your pompoms and cheer along with it. I mean, pay attention to the times it kicks in. Acknowledge it, and then kick it to the curb. The next time your inner critic starts shouting, try visualizing a giant red stop sign.
2. List your accomplishments. Find the positive and jot it down. From being a great listener, to passing your driving test, or finishing the first draft of a novel. Be proud of the small and major things that define who you are. The next time doubt comes calling, take a look at your list and remind yourself of how great you are.
3. Inspirational quotes. Not only are they great pick-me-ups, but they also make us realise that everyone struggles with similar issues. We are not alone in our doubts, but we can overcome them. So pop over to Pinterest and find your favourites. Try printing some out and pinning them on the wall by your desk, or saving one as your home screen. Let the positive words shine brighter than the negative.
4. Relax and unwind. When I burnout, I crumble. Therefore learning to stop before stress becomes a major factor is important. Equally important is to give yourself a break, if you do burnout, that’s okay too. Forgive yourself, Love yourself and take a damn break. The housework, your MS and the 101 other things that are building up will all be there tomorrow. I grant you permission to eat chocolate, watch Netflix and hug a pet or pillow.
5. Set goals and work towards them. Bite-size steps give us attainable and realistic expectations. Make them too big and we’ll give up, believing we’ll never amount to anything. And that’s not what we want. But chop your dream into tiny pieces and celebrate each small success is how we can achieve even the largest dream. Maybe it’s to write 500 words per day, or join a creative writing class, or send your work to a beta reader. Whatever the step, you’re building upon your dream and making it a reality.
So take that self-doubt and crush it before it crushes you!! I hope you found my tips helpful. Do you have any to share?
Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. You know I love hearing from you.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.
