Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Believing in Ourselves

This article originally appeared earlier this year in The Literary Lynnch Pen Newsletter.

Believing in Ourselves

Writers face a lonely road. There are moments during our quest when goals lose clarity. Obstacles loom on every side, critics condemn our attempts, and those following our lead doubt our decisions. We begin to question ourselves and wonder if we’ll ever reach our destination. How do we maintain belief when the odds are against us?

When we first set a goal, our eyes are focused on the target. All attention and energy converges on reaching that point. As we move toward our destination, obstacles and distractions emerge. As our attention shifts from our dreams to these potential roadblocks, we lose sight of our target. Subsequently we begin to doubt our capabilities and convictions. If we are to succeed, we must restore faith in ourselves.

When our belief wanes, we must keep these things in mind:

• We can control only one thing – our attitude! Our attitude determines our actions and reactions, whether positive or negative. Regardless of our circumstances, defeat cannot triumph when confronted with a positive outlook. Master a positive attitude and the battle is half won!

• We possess the ability to handle obstacles, but we must learn to focus. Challenges are easier to tackle if we stay focused on our target. The goal provides motivation and a reason to overcome the obstacle. In other words, we are more determined if we focus just on our dreams!

• Ignore critics. While constructive criticism and feedback make us better writers, negative critics chip away at our self-esteem. Do not take those words to heart. When critics attack, simply smile and continue toward the objective. When we reach our goal, we’ll discover that most of these people have mysteriously vanished.

• We cannot compare ourselves to others. Our worth cannot be measured by someone else’s standards. When we focus on another’s accomplishment, we lose sight of our own achievements and value. Every writer is significant in his or her own manner.

• We need to take risks. Feeding our belief system requires that we step out of our comfort zone. We must be willing to move beyond our little corner of the world, both physically and mentally. Our confidence grows every time we stretch, further boosting our self-image.

• Failure is only temporary if we keep moving forward. We cannot lose if we refuse to give up and accept defeat! A writer’s life is full of temporary setbacks, but if we stay the course, those minor road bumps will fade from memory.

• Our goal must be a burning desire! If we lack passion and excitement, our commitment level will grow weak. We’ll give up at the first sign of trouble. An intense desire will ultimately see us through to victory.

• Sometimes we simply need to recharge our batteries. Writing is a joy! We can’t let it become a burden or drag. Rather than beating our heads against the wall and growing frustrated, we need to take a break or attempt something we know will result in success.

13 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Whatever walk in life we take self belief is essential. If we can't believe in ourselves how can we expect others to.
I enjoyed your post very much and as always a pleasure to read.

Yvonne,

Mason Canyon said...

Very inspiring post. I especially agree with the last bit of advice, we all need to recharge sometimes.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Unknown said...

Great post and advice. Like Mason said, we all need recharging at times. I think I let my "battery" run down too low...it seems to be taking a long time to get back up there!

Jemi Fraser said...

Terrific advice! I find it overwhelming if I look into the future or start worrying about the what ifs. Instead I try to just focus on the very next thing and do that. Ignoring the big picture works for me :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Sneaking a peak at my blog - yes I'm cheating! Thanks everyone. Someone sent me a message that it was wonderful enough to frame and asked who wrote it. Silly me, I guess I forgot to include that - I did!

Arlee Bird said...

Thank you for that one. I needed that of late since I have been in that kind of mood some days. I'm going to print this out to keep on my desk to read when I'm feeling a bit trounced.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You wrote it? That's really good!

Anonymous said...

I can relate to the loneliness factor of being a writer. But sometimes a writer needs to disengage from everyone and everything if they are to finish their work or at least achieve a particular milestone.

And a writer cannot be afraid of rejection. Comes with the territory. No worries. The successes far outweigh the gloomy times.

Stephen Tremp

Tamara Narayan said...

Well said. I received a comment from an agent that they didn't quite connect with my characters. It allowed me to reinvent my dull police lieutenant into a deliciously profane fellow of Irish/Cajun descent displaced in the frigid north. I can't wait to see what this guy will say next.

Laissez les bon temps roulet! (Let the good times roll!)

Kristin Rae said...

I SO needed this today. Really. Especially needed to be reminded not to compare myself to other people, and that attitude is KEY!!!

Great post!

Anonymous said...

Great blog, Diane. The last one especially spoke to me. I am in the recharge period!

And I love the name of your blog! What spunk!

Nancy J. Parra said...

Love this post. Thank you for sharing it again. Cheers~

Anonymous said...

Great blog post Diane. What terrific advice you've shared.

Hope you are enjoying your recharge time. I noticed that you stopped by to take a peek, lol.

Have a great weekend!