Why Self-Trust Is the Secret Sauce to Writing Success
Self-trust is the single most important thing for every writer.
Have you ever entangled yourself in the shackles of self-doubt and quit writing for a few days (if not months)? Have you ever gone through sheer procrastination thinking that your writing is not good enough? Have you ever felt that what you write doesn’t matter at all?
Well, at some point in life, all writers start to doubt their works. They think they suck at writing and what they write has little or no value.
When self-doubt takes over, all writers, including you, fall into the trap called “writer’s block.” Eventually, you get frustrated and lack the motivation for writing. You lose your trust in yourself and the things you say or preach through your works.
I mean, think about it — if you don’t believe in what you write, say, or preach, how will your readers put their trust in you? How will they get ignited or inspired by your writings?
That’s why self-trust is extremely important for every writer. Without this, you don’t have solid ground under your feet. It is the foundation-stone of your writing empire. It’s the secret sauce that makes your writings stand out from others.
Self-Trust Allows You to Express Who You Truly Are
Rabindranath Tagore, who won Nobel Prize in 1913, was harshly criticized by his contemporary writers for his unconventional writing style. But did he quit writing being demotivated or start to please his critics? Of course, not. On the contrary, he put all his trust in himself and continued writing. And that made all the difference. Now nobody cares who Tagore’s critics where but everybody praises and adores Tagore’s works.
It’s true that in this social-media-driven world, everyone seems like a writer as everyone is writing something every single day. They are spreading information like crazy — updating status, posting photos, sharing thoughts and more. But have all of them possess literary value? Are all of that status floating in the newsfeed can inspire a soul towards greatness? Probably, not.
Good writers are always a minority group, even when everyone is a writer.
If you have self-trust and believe in what you write, you have nothing to worry about. Because there is no one like you and certainly no one can express as you do.
Your self-trust gives you the confidence to express who you are and what you think. It pushes you to exhibit your ideas and thoughts. It gives you the power to stand behind your writings and have the responsibility for what you write. It gives you the guts to stand alone with strength in the sea of mediocrity around you.
Self-trust frees you from thinking what other people think of you and keeps you focused on what you want to share with your readers and for what reasons.
It Helps You Pass Through Harsh Criticism
Do you know how many publishers rejected Harry Potter? 12 publishers! Yes, 12 publishers turned down the book that would eventually win the whole world. All those publishers failed to see the potential of JK Rowling. Why?
Because we human beings get used to what is around us and feel terrified of something new or unconventional.
We all have a tendency to blindly follow the statuesque. But as a writer, when you have enough trust in yourself, you can ignore any harsh criticism. Even when everyone says you are wrong, you can just smile and ignore them and continue to do what your knowledge, experience, and conscience tell you to do.
If you have full confidence in your writing style, tone, voice, and what you write, you can pass through any demotivating critique. You don’t have time for them, right? Because you know whatever you write or share, people will always get divided into two categories — some will appreciate while others will criticize you till death.
Self-trust gives you the power to ignore harsh criticism and carry on your writing journey. Yes, all writers love it when readers appreciate their writings. But only great writers never feel too elated or demotivated by any praise or criticism. They know that all great works had to go through the test of an initial storm.
Can you imagine what would happen if JK Rowling got demotivated by her publishers and quit writing?
Final Thoughts
Writing is tough. And writing constantly, knowing that it’s not as lucrative as other jobs, is even tougher. That’s why 99% of people quit after a few weeks or months of writing. I hope it will not be the case for you.
And if you ask me about success — I will tell you that success is hitting the publish button after completing a wonderful story that speaks your mind. Where will you find that out-of-the-world contentment, joy, and happiness without the sweet-bitter world of writing?
I hope your self-trust will always keep you on the track of great writing.
Thank you for reading.
This article is part of my 90-day writing challenge.
You may read the following articles of mine to know more about writing and editing.
- Apply the Pomodoro Technique to Writing
- To Err Is Human; To Edit, Divine
- What 99% of Writers Are Doing Wrong With Their Images