Our doubts are traitors,
and make us lose the good we oft might win,
by fearing to attempt.” – William Shakespeare
Self doubt can keep you from creating permanently
Everyone goes through their moment of self doubt, even the most creative and confident people. You just begin to ask “Am I good enough? Will I be able to write something truly beautiful again? What is so special about I do? “
Self doubt is the number one killer of creativity and it can be sparked by a negative comment, disappointment or a rejection. It crushes your creative spirit, weakens you and makes you have second thoughts about everything. Self doubt may come when you envy what others have done and you wonder why you don’t seem to be as good.
If you allow this to continue you would paralyze your ability to express what you have on the inside. Maybe you just finished writing a best seller novel and you are wondering, “What if I can’t create something fresh and exciting again?” These five tips will help you overcome it in no time!
- Remember it is NOT true. To think that you are not creative enough is just not true. Whatever makes you think that way is a lie and you have to realize that. You can’t allow what somebody said or a bad mood to ruin and prevent you from sharing that great talent buried inside of you.
- Remember why you write. Sometimes when you feel like you can’t, you have to remember why you started writing in the first place. Sometimes you need to go back to the beginning. Are you writing to help people live better lives or to make someone laugh after a hard day? Whatever the reason, remembering it might just inspire you to keep on doing what you love to do.
- Take small steps. Don’t be too hard on yourself. There is no pressure. Are you trying to write that book that will become a best seller? Why not start by writing a short story. Take small steps and watch your creativity improve
- Celebrate your work. Take time to review what you have done and appreciate your own creativity. Let your previous work remind you of how creative you are and what you are capable of. Read one of your best stories and just enjoy the ‘magic’ you created. The best part of this is that you did it and can do it again.
- Take the bull by the horn. When it seems like your creativity is put to the test or in doubt just go for it; take it as a challenge and prove them wrong. This will also help you remember that you still got it.
You have nothing to lose, believe you can and you will!