Writing Through the Soul: 7 Writing Tips to Overcome Self-Doubt

7 Writing Tips to Overcome Self-Doubt: My Personal Journey

As a writer, one of the most challenging obstacles I’ve faced is overcoming self-doubt. Whether you’re drafting your first blog post, working on a novel, or simply jotting down a few thoughts, it’s easy to let insecurities creep in and stop you from reaching your full potential. But over time, I’ve learned some valuable tips and techniques that have helped me push through the self-doubt and find confidence in my writing. In this article, I’m going to share these tips with you, and I hope they can help you, too.

1. Embrace Imperfection from the Start

Early on in my writing journey, I wanted everything I wrote to be perfect. But I soon realized that perfectionism was the biggest barrier to actually getting words on the page. I’d spend hours agonizing over the perfect sentence, only to get frustrated and give up.

Now, I embrace imperfection. I give myself permission to write a “bad” first draft. The key is knowing that I can always improve what I’ve written later. As the famous author Ernest Hemingway once said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” That’s been my mantra ever since!

Example: I once spent weeks on a blog post, trying to craft the perfect introduction. It wasn’t until I let go of my obsession with perfection that I finished the post in a few hours—and it turned out to be one of my most popular articles! It helped that I had many wonderful writer friends, who helped me out.

2. Set Achievable Goals

One of the best ways to silence self-doubt is by setting small, manageable writing goals. When I started out, I would often feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of a project. But now, I break my writing tasks into smaller chunks.

Example: Instead of telling myself I need to write an entire 1,500-word article in one sitting, I set a goal to write 300 words in 30 minutes. That little win feels amazing and helps me build momentum. Over time, these small victories add up to something big. This was great for me when I first started writing because, I seem to write a lot better when I wrote this way. A great tip giving to me by a wonderful lady named Nacy.

3. Celebrate Your Wins

Self-doubt often arises because we fail to acknowledge our successes. It’s easy to focus on what’s not working and overlook what is working. I used to write something and immediately criticize it, ignoring any positive aspects.

Now, I celebrate every step forward—whether it’s finishing a draft, getting positive feedback, or simply overcoming a difficult section of a project.

Example: I remember when I finished my first short story. Instead of doubting its quality, I printed it out and treated myself to a nice dinner. Acknowledging that achievement, however small, helped me feel more confident moving forward with the next project. I love to write flash fiction but, I still have doubts about the quality of my stories.

4. Accept that Everyone Has Doubts

One thing that has really helped me overcome self-doubt is realizing that I’m not alone. Every writer, no matter how successful, has moments of insecurity. In fact, I’ve read interviews with famous authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King where they talk about their self-doubt.

Example: After reading an interview with Stephen King where he confessed that he almost threw away his manuscript of Carrie because he didn’t think it was good enough, I realized that even the best writers experience self-doubt. If they can push through, so can I!

5. Create a Writing Routine

Writing regularly helps me build confidence because it gets me into a rhythm. When I’m writing daily, I feel less self-conscious about my abilities. It’s simply about showing up and doing the work, even when I don’t feel like it.

Example: I set aside 30 minutes every morning to write, even if it’s just a quick journaling session. The habit of writing regularly has made it easier for me to keep going, even when doubts creep in.

6. Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources

When I’m stuck in a loop of self-doubt, seeking feedback from other writers or trusted friends has been a game-changer. Having someone else read my work—especially someone I trust—can help me see things from a new perspective. They might notice strengths I didn’t see or offer constructive criticism that helps me improve.

Example: I have a writing group that I’ve been part of for years. Whenever I’m feeling unsure about a piece, I send it to them. Their feedback is invaluable, and it always reminds me that my writing has merit. It is so important to have a writing community that supports you. I belong to many, as I write poetry, short stories, and articles.

7. Visualize Your Success

I’m  someone who naturally thinks positively.  Visualizing success has helped me overcome the “what ifs” that come with self-doubt. I started imagining how it would feel to finish a piece and share it with the world. That sense of accomplishment and pride keeps me going, even on tough days.

Example: Before submitting my work for publication, I take a few minutes to visualize how it will feel to see my name in print or how proud I’ll be once my article is live. This positive visualization keeps me motivated and focused.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming self-doubt is an ongoing process, but the more I implement these tips, the more confident I feel in my writing. The key takeaway is that self-doubt doesn’t have to control your writing process. With practice, patience, and the right mindset, you can push through those insecurities and continue improving.

Remember: It’s okay to feel uncertain sometimes. But don’t let that doubt stop you from writing. Keep showing up, keep writing, and trust that you are capable of more than you think.

Thank-you for reading.

Much Love and light,

Brenda Marie