How to Fight the Paralysing Influence of Self-Doubt
Self-doubt can sneak up on any writer, making even the most exciting project seem impossible. That little voice in your head might say things like, “Who are you to write this?” or “What if it’s just not good enough?” But self-doubt doesn’t have to be a roadblock; with the right strategies, you can keep going despite it.
What Self-Doubt Can Do to You
Self-doubt can be crippling for an author, casting a shadow over their confidence and creativity. It often leads to overthinking and second-guessing every word, which can slow down or completely stall the writing process. Instead of focusing on telling your story, if you’re caught in self-doubt, you might worry about judgment, question your worth, or compare your first draft unfavourably against others’ end results.
This constant inner criticism can drain joy from the creative process and even make authors abandon projects they once felt passionate about. If your self-doubt has crept in because there are similar books out there. They’re there for a reason - because people want to read that type of book. If left unchecked, self-doubt can stop you from sharing your unique voice and message with the world.
Here are some ways to overcome self-doubt and keep your writing dreams alive.
Strategies to Combat Self-Doubt
1. Connect with Your ‘Why’
Remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Are you writing to share a life experience, help others, or fulfil a personal goal? Whichever it is, you are likely trying to help others or enable them to escape in your book for a while. When doubts arise, reconnect with your purpose.
Think of your purpose as your compass. When you feel lost in doubt, go back to that reason. It will help steer you back on course.
2. Accept Imperfection as Part of the Process
No first draft is flawless, and that’s okay! Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Every published book went through countless rounds of edits and revisions. Your job right now is to get words on the page, not to perfect them. We can get to that later.
I am currently writing a book, and I still experience the same struggles as you. As long as I’m getting something down in each chapter, I know I can return and rejig it or improve it.
"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." – Terry Pratchett
3. Set Manageable Goals
Break your project into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, set a goal to write for just 15–20 minutes a day or aim for a specific word count each week. Progress in small doses is still progress and can boost your confidence as you move forward. Remember to reward yourself for each micro goal you achieve.
4. Visualise Success
Close your eyes and imagine your book on a shelf, your name on the cover, or even the impact it could have on readers. You could even print off a mock-up of the cover and wrap it around another book to see and feel ‘your’ book. Visualising success can motivate and remind you that the journey is worth it.
Athletes often visualise the finish line or a winning moment before a race. Think of this as ‘mental rehearsal’ for writers!
5. Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you to keep going. An accountability group, coach, or friends who understand your goal can offer invaluable encouragement.
Did you know I have a programme specifically for this? With input from me and a group of other changemakers working on their books to support you. Sometimes, hearing someone say, ‘You’ve got this,’ can make all the difference.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
6. Create a Self-Doubt Journal
Set aside a small notebook for your self-doubt thoughts. Write down every worry, fear, or negative thought, then write down all the reasons to counter those thoughts—positive feedback from others about your work or writing and why getting your book out there is important. Close the notebook and put it away.
If you don’t like the idea of hanging on to those negative thoughts, write your doubts on a piece of paper, and screw it up and throw it away. The act of putting those feelings on paper can help you acknowledge and release them. If you decide to throw them away, it’s another symbolic act of not hanging on to the doubt.
7. Fighting Self-Doubt in Real Time
When self-doubt sneaks up while you’re in the middle of a writing session, try these quick exercises:
- Take a 5-Minute Break: Step away from your work and reset. Sometimes, a short break can give you perspective.
- Remind Yourself of Small Wins: Think of a time when you wrote something you were proud of, received a compliment on your writing or a satisfied client. Keep a list of these small wins as a confidence boost.
- Try a Writing Prompt: Use a prompt to free-write for a few minutes. This helps you bypass self-doubt by giving your brain a break from ‘high-stakes’ writing. You can use Chat GPT to provide a writing prompt, ask a friend or look out the window to see what triggers your writing.
Remember: Self-Doubt Can Be a Sign of Growth
Self-doubt can be a sign that you’re pushing outside your comfort zone. It’s a positive thing; the more you grow, the more you can help others. If you didn’t care about your work, you wouldn’t be worried about its quality. Embrace self-doubt as part of the creative journey, and keep going.
What’s one small action you can take today to silence self-doubt and keep moving forward on your writing journey?
Start with that and watch your book unfold. If you need some help overcoming self-doubt or accountability to stay on track, then book a call to get you on your way.
Finding Time - Helpful Tips to Finish Your Book
Time is a huge hurdle for so many changemakers when writing a book. Life’s demands can feel never-ending, and finding moments to write might seem impossible between work, family, and other commitments. But if you’re serious about finishing your book, the secret isn’t endless hours—it’s using the time you have consistently and effectively. Here are some proven tips to help you get closer to the finish line, one page at a time.
Strategies to Carve Out Time and Keep Writing
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
The goal isn’t marathon writing sessions; it’s about consistency. Try using a Pomodoro timer. Set it in blocks of 15–20 minutes and focus solely on writing during that time. You may start with just one block one day but try and build it up to an hour if possible (or even more!) You’ll be amazed at your accomplishments, even in short bursts.
As author Anthony Trollope famously said,
"A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules."
Over time, these small chunks add up to real progress.
I used to wait for hours of uninterrupted time that never came. Writing always dropped down my list of priorities and ultimately fell off the bottom. Then I started using a Pomodoro timer, 20-minute sessions over an hour, and I was amazed at how much I got through with that focused burst of time. Sometimes it may have just been notes, others honing the words on the page, but bit by bit, I saw my book come together. That was enough to keep driving me forward and find more writing time.
2. Designate Writing ‘Appointments’
Blocking off specific times on your calendar for writing can make a huge difference. Treat these blocks like you would any other commitment—protect them from interruptions. It could be early in the morning, a lunch break, or late evening; wherever your creative energy is most effective. This reserved time becomes your creative sanctuary.
I recently started using Motion, I can set out times of the day that I want tasks to sit in, and my calendar re-arranges itself to help ensure I get it done each week. Consistency builds momentum, helping you establish writing as a habit.
3. Break Down Your Writing Goals
Writing an entire book can feel overwhelming, so break it into smaller, manageable goals. As Will Smith said,
“You don’t set out to build a wall. You don't say ‘I’m going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that’s ever been built.’ You don’t start there. You say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.’ You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall.”
Focus on completing a chapter, a key idea, or even just a few paragraphs at a time. Psychologically, smaller goals feel achievable, which reduces stress and helps you stay motivated.
4. Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Distractions can be writing’s worst enemy. I should know. I have three kids, a cat, a dog and a husband. My life is full of distractions!
To make the most of your time, set boundaries around distractions. Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and consider using a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign if needed or head to the local coffee shop or library. Let those around you know when it’s your designated writing time, too—support from others can reinforce your commitment.
5. Use AI Writing Prompts to Reignite Creativity
If you feel stuck or uninspired, use writing prompts to get started. A quick prompt can often overcome the inertia of a blank page, helping you ease into the writing flow without overthinking. You’ll either love what it suggests or hate it. Either way, it will kick your brain into action and enable you to get words on a page.
What you write may not end up in your final book, and that’s absolutely fine. Prompts can still help you explore new angles and develop your ideas in fresh ways.
6. Leverage “Bonus” Writing Time
Some of the best moments to write come in unexpected gaps—during your commute, while waiting for an appointment, or even in the supermarket queue. Carry a small notebook or use a notes app or voice notes on your phone to jot down ideas. These small ‘writing’ sessions can keep your creativity active and help you develop your narrative, even when you’re not at your desk.
What Could You Do with 20 Minutes Today?
You don’t need hours to make progress; you just need a start. Today, find 20 minutes to write without interruptions and see where it takes you. Imagine where you could be in a month if you did this daily.
So, what’s one small change you can make today to fit writing into your schedule? Start with that and watch your book unfold. If you need some help identifying where to start or accountability to stay on track, then book a call with me to help get you going.