There comes a time in every artist’s journey when crippling self-doubt sets in. It’s an agonising period where all your hopes and dreams become overshadowed with fear. But before you scoop out the ice-cream and take cover in your bed, vowing to never write again, try a few of these techniques.

Keep track of your success.
When we’re gazing over the yawning expanse of our final destination, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with everything set before us. After all, there is no guarantee of our success. However, taking a look over your accomplishments will offer a glimmer of hope, proving that you can excel at what you set your mind too. Did you ever imagine that you’d write a novel?
Turn to your community.
Sharing your problems can help to alleviate them. Maybe you choose to turn to a blog post like this one, or to connect with like-minded individuals at a writing group, or through your social media. Just knowing there are other people who battle with the same demons may be enough to take the edge off. Remember this is a normal issue, it’s a universal fear, and it’s going to get easier.

Don’t let fear be the driver
Acceptance in any situation allows us to relax into the moment and let go of our expectations. Easier said than done, however, if you can learn to live with the uncertainty, the doubts and fears, you gain back control to steer your life in the direction of your choice. Whenever I’m crippled by doubt, I work on releasing it by moving forward, redefining my goals, making small steps. Before you know it, the resistance will disappear and you’ll be gliding side-by-side with your creativity.
Take care of yourself
Sometimes, doubt comes at a time in our lives when we have internal and/ or external stress. Learning to listen to yourself, asking for help, or simply knowing when to slow down can be the greatest act of self-love. During those hard times, I choose to read, not only to escape the world but to have it redefined in words that often mirror my trials and tribulations. Reading is wonderfully cathartic and equally as important as writing, so I don’t have to feel guilty about taking time out.

How do you combat self-doubt? By sharing your tips, you’re helping the writing community, so don’t be shy, you know I love hearing from you.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.
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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2019.
I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of writing-related doubts. Maybe the fact I found writing to be addictive is what prevents me from quitting – sooner or later, I’ll just want to go on and I let that motivate me.
And, of course, I look back at the progress I’ve made. I might have a long road ahead, but I have a long road behind me as well.
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You make wonderful points. Writing is addictive because it soothes the soul. Thanks for commenting, Tomas.
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Great tips, Rainy. I find reaching out to other writers a big help, as you’ve highlighted here.
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Thanks, Kate. X 💙💙
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Doubt is the absolute worse, it makes you feel so helpless and frustrated. Your tips are spot on! All writers should remember these, and I will definitely take your advice on my down days ❤ xxx
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It is the worst, your words of encouragement helped me loads, thanks for being there. Xx
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Right back at you ❤ ❤ xx
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So important. I have been so impressed with how supportive and encouraging the Writing Community have been, so reaching out to them is definitely a great recommendation,
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Especially our blogging community. X
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Self doubt is my morning ritual. Every morning I ask myself why I’m doing this. I’m kidding myself. But then I write that first line and it all goes away. I’m at the point where I think I need to feel that way in order to create. Sometimes it’s best not to ask why. It’s who I am.
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That’s so moving, I think you make an excellent point about needing self doubt to help stay motivated. Being a creator isn’t about making money, or getting famous, it’s about expressing our souls.
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Expressing our souls. That’s another blog post one of us needs to write. It is so true.
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Doubt is a biggie. So is the day job 😦
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Tell me about it! 😣
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I’ve had a lot of self doubt this, mainly becasue of the rubbish that’s been going on in it and the struggle to find time to write anything. But I’m still trying and keeping plans warm.
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And that’s the best you can do, I hope the struggles ease soon.
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Thank you… me too 🙂
How are you doing?
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I’m focusing all my attention on editing, it helps to stop the self-doubt attacking. ☺️ Thanks for asking, Simon.
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I hope it goes well, I’ve heard editing is hard.
You’re welcome, we all need to look out for each other I think 🙂
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It can be overwhelming, especially with the first novel. But now I love the process, at least the first 10 rounds, and then it becomes a little tedious.
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Yes I can imagine, I do a similar thing in my work and sometimes you just get sick of looking at it. lol
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Pingback: Tell Again Tuesday Combating Self-doubt | C.D. Hersh
Thanks for re-blogging. 💙
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