Self-doubt as a writer is one of those things we all struggle with from time to time. It’s that unpleasant thought that our work isn’t good enough. No one wants to think like that, but it’s not always easy to stop those unbidden thoughts from entering our minds. The good thing is, self-doubt doesn’t have to linger. Throughout my writing journey, I’ve discovered four ways to combat. The first thing is that I’ve never stopped writing. Pushing past those pesky doubts by doing what I love is probably what helps me the most. Then, when I write something that I really like – whether an article or a book – my confidence is boosted. You, too, must keep writing and never stop. Sure, you can take a break if you need to, but always come back to it. If nothing else, it’ll cement your love for the craft, and that alone is a self-doubt silencer.

You might agree that continuing to write is a good idea, but if your doubts are screaming at you, you may find it hard to do. I suggest that even if you’re in that place right now, write anyway. In fact, why not take this time to change what you write?  Writing in a new genre might surprise and delight you. This, in turn, increases your creativity and negates self-doubt. When I wrote my first children’s chapter book, I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy it or how happy I’d be with the final product. My confidence in my ability soared. The same could certainly happen to you.

Another way to combat these pesky doubts is to share your writing journey. You can do this by writing articles or even starting a YouTube channel. When you share your writing journey, self-doubt takes a back seat because your love for the craft is evident not only to your audience but to yourself. I share my journey through Reader’s Favorite, Medium, and a YouTube channel. It makes the entire journey worthwhile to know I’ve encouraged another writer. If you’re thinking that it must be hard for doubt to stick around when that happens, you’re right.

Finally, when all else fails, reading past reviews of your work is highly beneficial. It’s encouraging to know that someone else liked your writing and was inspired enough by it to write a review. It also proves to yourself that you’re a genuine author and writer. I’ve often gone back to read through my best reviews, and it always encourages me and reminds me that I am a writer and nothing will change that. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

Self-doubt isn’t fun, and it rears its ugly head from time to time for all of us, but we can combat it by continuing to do what we love, writing in a new genre, sharing our writing journey, and reading past reviews. You can find other ways to push past self-doubt and allow your inner writer to shine, but these can be a start. Also, remember, not everything we think is true. Self-doubt may tell you your writing isn’t good enough, but your journey and writing history tell a different story. Don’t let self-doubt have the last word.