“Should I even submit this article?”
“Is my writing good enough?”
“Can I really call myself a professional writer?”
“Is my writing worthy?”
If you’ve been a freelance writer for more than a minute, you have probably asked yourself these questions before. Along with all the good things writing brings, it can also be brutal on feelings of self-worth. Am I really as good as I think I am?
It ain’t easy and sometimes, usually when you’re running around with your hair on fire trying to think of a better ending for an article, doubts can seep in.
We start to question ourselves and our talents, but if you do the work, you’ve paid or are paying your dues, and you’re dedicated to the craft, you are a writer more than worthy of the title.
So be your own cheerleader and the next time you question yourself, grab this list of 5 ways to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt.
You’ll soon be writing with your head held high.
5 ways to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt
Follow these five suggestions and come out feeling confident, on-fire, and plenty worthy.
1. Talk to, network with, and befriend other writers
Freelance writing can be a lonely vocation. However, having a few people in your corner to weather the storms with, who know what you’re going through, is something worth cultivating.
When we compare notes and talk shop with other writers, we realize we’re not the only ones struggling with something writing-related. You can:
- Have conversations about your current projects
- Discuss writing styles and voice
- Have someone who celebrates your wins with you
- Have a gentler approach with yourself when you’re being self-critical
Other writers have lifted me up many times when all I wanted was to pack it in and give up on full-time freelancing. Just to have someone who gets it and knows where you’re coming from can be enough to keep you going.
Go where the writers are…
Reach out to other freelance writers on social media! Many are experiencing some of the same things you are which creates community and friendships.
I have a friend and colleague on LinkedIn who I’ve known for over a year. She’s been supportive, encouraging, and helpful and I’ve tried to be the same for her, too. The other day I was having a mini-freakout over something work-related and she was so calm and reassuring that by the time we stopped talking, I felt hopeful.
When writers have other writers to lean on, ask for advice, and celebrate their wins with, it can really buoy self-esteem. Your worth is innate. Find people who know that and cheer each other on.
Tip: LinkedIn is a writer’s wonderland for finding community.
2. Remember… writing is very valuable to businesses and society
Writing content and copy for the digital world is absolutely necessary for most modern businesses to run and compete, and I don’t think I’m overstating it. Just think… all of the following require well-crafted words:
- Products
- Ads
- Online magazines
- News stories
- Press releases
- Articles
- Websites
- Social posts
- Apps
- Brand guides
- And much more
What we do as writers not only matters, it’s powerful and it’s become critical to our existence as a society. We writers are kind of a big deal. Let that sink in when you need to remind yourself that your writing is valuable and worth every penny.
3. Check out some of your work from last year or further back
Next, it can be hard to truly see how much we’ve improved as writers until we look at projects from the past. Going back a year or more to review your work can be a real morale booster.
Where were you at that time? Are you better off professionally? Have you learned on the job?
That’s the thing with writing. We’re constantly improving. If you’re dedicated to the craft, there’s no way NOT to because you’re practicing with every project and always learning something new.
Seeing how far you’ve come is the perfect prescription for feelings of unworthiness. Plus, you may uncover some jewels you’ve written that weren’t so shabby (and should be added to your portfolio).
4. Try other creative ventures
Sometimes when you’re feeling unsure of yourself, the best thing to do is mix things up and try something new. Have you always wanted to learn how to be a copy editor or proofreader?
Maybe even design something? A copywriter/graphic designer would have several advantages over being one or the other.
Maybe the skill you’d like to learn isn’t related to writing at all. That’s okay! Say, you’ve always wanted to take a pottery class or learn a new language and now you have some time to do it.
Learning a skill not even related to writing can help your confidence which will cross over.
Writers are creative so we often gravitate towards other forms of creative arts like photography or crafting when we’re not writing.
An example is that I was a singer for three decades and actually made a living at it. Go figure. Creatives usually have more than one talent.
So consider throwing yourself into something new to boost feelings of joy and self-worth.
5. Serve others
Lastly, when we put our hearts out there for someone else, things shift. So if your self-esteem looks like a ragdoll, doing something for someone else can help.
For example, there are many “young,” fledgling freelancers out there who would love to hear from a more experienced writer. Look for opportunities to pay it forward and help someone without expecting anything in return.
You can comment on social posts of freelancers looking for help, or create your own posts to openly share your knowledge and learnings. (Plus, posting on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter…is the perfect opportunity to build your brand and let people/potential clients see what you can do.)
When it comes to client work, make sure you’re serving people on an A+ level from your first interaction to your last. Making impeccable customer service a priority will result in grateful clients who appreciate you which is a real morale booster.
Serving others should be a given in our personal lives. By weaving it into your professional freelance writing career, you can stand tall no matter what happens.
Overcome imposter syndrome: Nip it in the bud and watch your freelance writing business flourish
These five points are your secret weapons to feeling worthy and empowered as a writer. Pull them out of your box of writing tricks when you feel frustrated, confused, or unworthy. You’ll be back to wielding your pen with pride in no time.
P.S. Do you feel this way sometimes about your writing? Do you think you could use one of these solutions when you feel this way? We want to know in the comments!
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