Video. (10) How to Silence Self-Doubt and Start Writing (Even If You’re New)

Kieren Westwood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Igvpoukzs&t=3

• 00:51 Learn to accept those "wobbly feelings" instead of beating yourself up for having them.
• 01:12 When has being really hard on yourself made you feel more confident?
• 01:33 There's no magic trick to make doubt disappear forever.
• he struggled with limiting beliefs about his writing and himself as a writer
• 03:53 You don't need confidence to take action; you can move forward even when you're scared.
• 04:27 There are no real writers; that exclusive club doesn't exist. You don't need permission or approval to put your writing out into the world.
  • any negativity they express toward you for creating something says more about them than it does about you (projecting their own insecurities?)
• 05:37 Don't compare your writing to writers that are further along in their careers.
  • it's normal to be bad when you're learning
  • success doesn't necessarily equal quality
  • you don't need external validation for your writing
• 06:44 Connect with other writers so you can support each other.
  • This reminds me of Video Overcoming Writer's Block by Writing With Andrew; he recommends getting a second opinion when you hit a snag with a creative problem.
• 07:36 Confidence isn't a prerequisite for action. Do it anyway. Do it scared.

Journaling questions

1. What limiting beliefs do you have about yourself and your creative abilities?
2. What are some neutral or positive thoughts you can practice thinking instead?
3. What activities or projects are you excited about doing but lack the confidence to start?

Action Items

1. Pick one of the small projects you brainstormed about earlier. Make it and share it. Doesn't matter where or with whom; just get it out there.
2. Do it again. And again. And again.