How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer

Do you ever feel like your own worst enemy when it comes to writing? Do you find yourself second-guessing every decision and getting stuck in an unproductive loop of constant self-criticism? If so, don’t worry— you are definitely not alone! Self-doubt is incredibly common among writers, no matter what their level of experience might be.

The good news is that there are things you can do to overcome your self-doubt and get back on track with your writing. In this post, we’ll discuss how to get past self-doubt as an author and share some practical tips for overcoming your doubts, so you can keep working toward your goals.

Tips for overcoming self-doubt as a writer

Turn off the inner critic

Don't let your inner critic prevent you from putting words on the page! In writing, it's important to embrace “the crappy writer's hat.” This is the hat we wear when we’re writing our first drafts and discovering the story and characters for the first time. The problem is many writers try to put on their “fancy writer's hat”–the one reserved for revising and editing–while they're still in the drafting and discovery stage of their novel. But let's be honest, drafting is messy, and most of what we write in the beginning is bad. And that's okay! 

Perfectionism can be our worst enemy as writers, making writers procrastinate, and severely hindering our confidence. But there are a few strategies you can use to combat perfectionism:

• Practice freewriting: Set a timer and write continuously without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. This exercise silences the critical voice in your head and encourages creative flow by helping you get something on the blank page.

• Use writing prompts: Engage in exercises that encourage exploration and creativity without the pressure of perfection. Writing prompts can spark new ideas and help you break free from self-imposed limitations.

• Embrace imperfection: Understand that revision is part of the writing process. Each draft is a step towards improvement, and imperfections are natural and necessary.

Fight self-doubt by focusing on positives

As writers, self-doubt can be a constant companion when it comes to putting words on a page. In those moments of self-doubt, it's helpful to focus on your strengths rather than fixating on your weaknesses. If you know that writing descriptions isn't your biggest strength, then simply skip them for now and concentrate on what you do best, such as character actions and dialogue. Remind yourself why you love writing and what excites you about your story. Focusing on the positives leaves less room for self-doubt to take hold.

Improve your craft

A great way to tackle feelings that you aren't good enough is to practice and learn more! Read some books on writing, take writing courses like the ones available in the Writing Mastery Academy, or join a community of writers to get feedback on where you can improve your work. Being a beta reader or critique partner for a writer friend can also help you become a better writer by seeing what does and doesn't work in someone else's draft!

Have a writing process and measurable goals

A popular goal-setting method is to create S.M.A.R.T. goals now. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. These goals are incredibly helpful in keeping you on track and focused. It's easy to get overwhelmed and doubt ourselves when we set huge, unattainable goals. But here's the secret: focus on setting small, achievable goals that are easy to measure and specific to your needs. Once you hit those smaller goals, you’ll build momentum and be more motivated to keep going.

Avoid comparing yourself to others

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome often creep in when writers compare their progress or achievements to others, especially in today's world of social media where successes are often highlighted. It can be easy to feel like you're not good enough when you see fellow writers get agents, book deals, and good reviews. However, this comparison can be detrimental to your creative process and confidence. Remember, every author's journey to success is unique, and what you see on social media is often a curated version of reality. Even bestselling authors struggle with self-doubt from time to time!

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own writing journey and growth. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Your path to success is personal and doesn’t need to mirror anyone else’s. By concentrating on your own goals and milestones, you can cultivate a healthier mindset and foster creativity without the weight of comparison holding you back.

Keep writing!

Setting up a consistent writing routine and sticking to it is your best and most powerful weapon against the struggle with self doubt. Routines are rituals that snap your brain into the state you want it to be in (like writing). Your routine doesn't have to be complicated or involve many steps. Start with small, manageable writing sessions and gradually increase your time as you build confidence.

Ready to deal with self-doubt?

If you feel self-doubt starting to creep in as you write, remember that every writer has faced self-doubt and imposter syndrome— even famous writers like Stephen King! Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them derail your progress. By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your writing journey, you can overcome self-doubt and continue to grow as a writer.