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.