Author Mindset: Working with Fear as a Writer
As a writer, fear can be a constant companion. Whether it's fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being good enough, or fear of the blank page, it's something that most writers have experienced at some point in their writing journey. However, instead of letting fear hinder your progress, it's important to develop an author mindset that allows you to work with fear in a productive and empowering way.
Fear was once described through an acronym, “False Evidence Appearing Real.” If we can learn to get curious when fear arises and turn into it, there is often a lot to learn.
Acknowledge and Embrace Fear
The first step in working with fear as a writer is to acknowledge its presence and accept it as a normal part of the creative process. Harder said than done, but fear can be a guide showing us an area for growth. Fear is a natural response to uncertainty and vulnerability, and writing is an act of vulnerability as you pour your thoughts, ideas, and emotions onto the page for others to read and judge. Instead of trying to push fear away or ignore it, acknowledge its existence and embrace it as a sign that you are pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and taking risks with your writing.
Understand the Root of Your Fear
To effectively work with fear, it's important to understand the root of your fear as a writer. Is it a fear of failure, a fear of not meeting your own expectations, or a fear of criticism? Understanding the underlying cause of your fear can help you address it more effectively. Take some time to reflect on the specific thoughts, beliefs, or past experiences that may be contributing to your fear. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when it comes to the experience of fear:
What are you most fearful of when it comes to your writing?
What about this experience feels so scary?
When you experience this sensation of fear, where do you feel it in your body?
If fear wasn’t in the way, what would you do differently?
What could fear be trying to tell you? Is there a positive intention behind the fear?
Once you identify the root of your fear, you can take steps to challenge and reframe those thoughts or beliefs in a more positive and empowering way. Here is an exercise for reframing fear. Based on your answers above you can modify the following sentence to repeat to yourself the next time fear comes up:
“I feel you, fear. I know you are trying to keep me safe. I understand that the writing journey we are embarking on comes with its challenges. I acknowledge you while we step into the unknown AND we get to create something beautiful, together.”
Develop a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is developing the belief that your abilities and skills can be developed through a commitment to completing your writing piece and consistently showing up to write. Embracing a growth mindset as a writer means understanding that fear and failure are part of the learning process, and they do not define your worth as a writer. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve your writing. Fear can help guide us when we learn to work with it by inviting the learnings it is highlighting. Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and development, and approach your writing with a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences.
Practice Self-Compassion
As a writer, it's easy to be hard on yourself and set high standards for your work. However, perfectionism and self-criticism can be detrimental to your writing process and can fuel your fears. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes or face challenges. Treat yourself as you would treat a close friend who is going through a difficult time. Remember that writing is a process, and it's okay to make mistakes, have doubts, and experience setbacks along the way. It is in these tough moments, that we can also show up for ourselves with compassion and invite self-nurturing through self-care or stepping away from the computer altogether. Push when things are hard, can just make them even more difficult. Learning to have self-compassion and step away can feel counterintuitive, but it is often one of the best things you can do. In these moments, is also when great inspiration can strike.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals for your writing can help you manage your fears and stay focused on your writing journey. Break your writing goals into smaller, manageable steps that are within your control, and celebrate your progress along the way. Avoid setting overly ambitious or unrealistic goals that can create unnecessary pressure and fuel your fears. Instead, set goals that are challenging but achievable, and allow yourself the flexibility to adjust your goals as needed. Break writing goals down by word count, time spent writing, or time spent researching.
Create a Supportive Writing Environment
The writing process can be solitary, and it's important to create a supportive environment that nurtures your creativity and helps you manage your fears. Surround yourself with people who believe in your writing and can provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Join writing groups or communities where you can connect with fellow writers who understand the challenges and fears that come with writing. Create a writing routine that works for you and helps you stay focused and motivated. Experiment with different writing techniques or exercises that can help you overcome writer's block or other writing challenges.
Take Action Despite Fear
One of the most empowering things you can do as a writer is to take action despite the fear. Fear is never going to go away completely, that’s why it’s important to learn to work with it and embrace these moments as a learning opportunity.
Here’s to celebrating feeling the fear and continuing to move forward in the best way we know how to keep writing toward our dreams.
