5 Ways To Tell If You're Insecure As A Writer

Insecurity is the number one feeling that holds people back from greatness.

As a freelance writer, it's essential to know when you're insecure so that you can work on overcoming it. Here are five signs that you might be an insecure writer and five ways to kick those signs ass.

You're constantly second-guessing your work

Have you ever felt like all your hard work is never enough, and that annoying voice inside your head keeps second-guessing your every move?

You are not alone. It's time to squash that inner critic and accept that excellence cannot be rushed. Our work won't always feel perfect the first time around. Still, we can turn our dreams into realities with patience and perseverance.

So take a deep breath - you got this.

How to smash through this:

When you feel stuck in the second-guessing loop, give yourself a break and do something else for a while. You can also break down the task into smaller chunks and work on them one at a time.

You're constantly seeking validation from others

Comparison is the thief of joy, as they say.

Every time I look for validation from others, I strive to fill a void inside that can never truly be filled by outside sources. I realize now that seeking validation only leads to a dependence on others' opinions of me and an insecurity in my own thoughts and feelings. Instead of worrying so much about what people think, I focus on developing my own self-worth and the strength of my convictions. If I learn to practice self-validation rather than relying on external worldly affirmations, it will help create a strong base of confidence to move forward with authenticity, independence, and courage.

How to smash through this:

Start by writing down a few things that you are proud of, something you know is true, and think positively about yourself. Make sure to recognize your accomplishments and take time to congratulate yourself on the little things. You can also practice mindful meditation and self-reflection to become aware of your thoughts and feelings each day. This will help build inner strength and resilience to tackle any uncertainties that may come your way.

You're afraid to share your work with anyone

It's completely normal to feel scared or intimidated when sharing your work with a broader audience.

After all, the idea of criticism can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be. Think of it this way: Everyone is their own toughest critic, and no matter what, there will always be someone who resonates with your work. Most of the time, people tend to be supportive and understanding, both in constructive criticism and genuine admiration for what you're doing - so don't let the fear of judgment stop you from putting yourself out there.

How to smash through this:

Start small and share your work with people you trust. Ask for honest feedback, but remember to take it all in stride. Remember that criticism can be a great way to learn and grow as a writer. Don't take it personally but use it as an opportunity to develop your craft.

You doubt your ability to improve

Doubting yourself is only natural when you're attempting something that's outside of your comfort zone.

It's a way for us to acknowledge potential failure. Still, it also prevents us from going further and reaching our goals. The best advice for those moments of self-doubt is to take a step back and remind yourself why you started in the first place. Remind yourself why it matters so much and how achieving this goal can be crucial to you or others. When we do this, we find the strength to keep going and eventually reach our goals - even if improvement doesn't happen overnight.

How to smash through this:

Track your progress and celebrate small successes as they happen - these moments can be great motivators to keep going. You can also practice positive self-talk and focus on the actions you can take to reach your end goal rather than dwelling on the possibility of failure. Finally, don't be afraid to reach out for help – having someone else to encourage and support you can make a world of difference.

You think that only "talented" people can be successful writers

While it's true that some great writers possess an innate flair for language and a knack for creative storytelling, far from every successful author relies solely on natural talent.

Countless dedicated and determined authors have risen above their naysayers to sharpen their craft through hard work, purposeful tinkering, and never-ending practice. Timely research and thoughtful reflection can also help aspiring authors bring new perspectives to the realm of literature, allowing even the "un-talented" to make a meaningful contribution to the world of writing.

In short: if you're willing to put in the time and do what it takes, expressing yourself through the written word is entirely possible—no matter your talent level.

How to smash through this:

Have faith that you can achieve your goals, no matter what naysayers may tell you. Then, research helpful techniques and strategies to up your game and practice the craft of writing regularly. Reading other writers' work can also be beneficial - it'll not only inspire new ideas, but it will also help you become more familiar with the writing process overall. But most of all...believe in yourself!

The final word

If any of these sound familiar, don't worry--you're not alone.

Every writer goes through periods of self-doubt. The important thing is to keep writing and pushing through those challenging moments. Remember that every successful writer was once in your shoes. They all had to start somewhere.

And if they can do it, so can you.

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