Tips On Finding Confidence In Writing
by Kim Farris
I lack confidence. There’s no denying that. And I’m not speaking of my personal life because I’m learning not to care what others think of me. It’s letting go of a wall I built. Yet, I’m doing it. It’s my professional life. I find I doubt myself.
The thing is, I write for a living, so it’s not just me. It could affect. There are others reading this that could take my advice. “What if it doesn’t work for them? Will they be mad at me?” And then I flip to “Will anyone take my advice? Is it good enough?” I get so torn I give myself anxiety. Sometimes I have to put my work aside because I get so overwhelmed with the questions.
Over the past few weeks, it has become more of a factor. So I got out my journal (you know, the one I’m always telling people to get), and I wrote the word confidence, and under that word, I wrote words I associate with it. Scarred, doubtful, anxiety, to name a few. And then, on the other side, I wrote the word again, but this time what they should mean. Proud, positive, relaxed. Well, how can I get from there to there?
I did some research, and here are a few things I am going to try, and I hope you do too.
Dealing with rejection
One of the first things I had to learn was not to take things personally. Criticism, good or bad, is just that, criticism. Some of the most famous writers were rejected at one time or another. But they didn’t give up. Remember, it’s not you they are rejecting. It could simply be a business decision. Maybe they already have someone working on what you are presenting. Or they are looking to go in another direction. It doesn’t mean your writing or idea isn’t good. It’s just not a good fit at that moment.
Stay Positive
Rejection is not the end of the world. Although at the time, it may feel soul-crushing. It’s natural to worry about what others think of you and your work, but if you continue to focus on that, you will have self-doubt.
Strengthen your mind
Never think you know it all. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how many years in school you took. Nothing stays the same. It may seem others are more knowledgeable than you, and it could just be that they took the time to learn more about a subject. Continue to learn.
Don’t rush
When you rush, you will make mistakes. Take it from me. When you don’t catch those mistakes, you must take the criticism that goes along with it. It’s usually not good either. And that hits your confidence in a negative way. Finding your own mistakes not only shows you care enough about the project to give it extra time but that you value your work.
Acknowledge your victories
What is the point of doing anything if you never celebrate anything? Be proud of your accomplishments. Do something you want to do, whether it be a vacation you’ve always wanted to take or just a day at the beach. You deserve it!
Choose confidence
If you go into a project thinking you are going to fail, you most likely are. Believe in yourself and in your work. How you see yourself is how others will eventually see you. Hold your head up, write clearly, and always remember you’re amazing! You can do anything you want to do as long as you have the confidence to do it!
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