Maybe you’ve finally completed that writing course and now it’s time to plunge head first into the world of writing. It feels weird to call yourself a writer, and you wonder how in the world you will be able to market yourself as a copywriter, content writer, author, blogger, or whatever type of writing you do.
Or maybe you’ve been writing for some time but a new project has you wondering if you’ve got the chops to knock this one out of the park.
Well, I’ve been a professional writer for over 10 years, yet I still catch myself feeling first-draft jitters at times.
I got together with some friends and discussed this on a recent episode of the Abundance 1010 Podcast. We talked about the impostor syndrome and how it can paralyze us and make us question our abilities even when we are experienced in a particular area.
I can’t tell you the number of times I have stared at a blank page and wondered whether this new piece I’m trying to write can live up to the fanfare of my previous writings. Sometimes I worry that I have lost my mojo, lol!
7 Ways to Gain Confidence as a Writer
When I encounter a new writing project, I often have to remind myself that I am capable. If you are wondering how to become a better writer or how to gain confidence as a writer, keep reading! Here are some of the things you can do to remind yourself that you’ve got what it takes:
1. Reread your most notable writings
I find that doing this every now and then reminds me that there’s creativity within me, and I’m able to tap into it. I allow myself to be blown away by my own writing. No, it’s not conceited. We must be able to gain an appreciation for our own writing.
2. Study your craft
Study your writing. Take it apart and assess your strengths and weaknesses. What are you good at? What can you improve on? Be fair and balanced in your assessment. Revisit a piece you wrote earlier on in your writing career and revise it. Also, read widely to expand your vocabulary and appreciate different writing styles. It may be helpful to take a course, join a writers’ group, or seek mentorship from someone whose writing you admire.
3. Personal development
I find that the more I work on myself, the more my confidence grows – not just in writing, but in other areas of my life. It impacts how I feel about myself, and I recognize my offering to the world. When you know that nobody else can write the way you do, it boosts your confidence because you bring a unique skill to the marketplace.
4. Get over your first draft
Sometimes my insecurity as a writer stem from the fear of my first draft, because let’s face it, first drafts are awful! I used to have a habit of judging myself based on my first draft. I would pick it apart and think very negatively about my writing. But I have embraced the fact that the first draft is going to be terrible, so I focus on getting it out of the way.
5. Fight the urge to compare yourself to other writers
Now this is a hard one. I have struggled with this because it’s natural to want to know how you measure up professionally. But going back to what I said earlier, you must appreciate your own writing and realize that there’s something special about the way you write. Lean into that and celebrate your unique skill.
6. Write every day
The more you write, the better you’ll become. It’s as simple as that. Don’t wait until you have something profound to write. Just fire up your laptop and begin typing away. Some of my best creative pieces started off as random ramblings.
7. Be patient with yourself
Once I began to respect the writing process more and know that after the first draft comes the second, and then the third, and when I’m done, it’s 10 times better. So be patient with yourself and give it time.
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