The way we speak to ourselves can have positive and negative effects on our confidence. If you regularly revert to negative internal thinking and criticize your writing, your self doubt can creep in and you may start to believe the negative words you tell yourself.

Try speaking kindly to yourself instead, and see how that changes your creative flow. Give yourself the same kindness and compassion you would offer a friend or family member. Remember to celebrate your successes—no matter how small—and be gentle with yourself when your writing doesn’t seem particularly great some days.

How to Stop Negative Internal Thoughts

Negative internal thoughts are a common problem for writers. It’s easy for us to get caught up in negative thoughts and start to believe ourselves when we say we aren’t good enough. It’s important, however, to remember that your negative thoughts are not your reality. Your negative thoughts are simply that—thoughts. You have the power to change your thoughts to be positive.

When you have a negative thought about yourself or your writing, challenge the thought. Ask yourself: Is this true? You’ll often realize that your thought is based on an assumption or fear, and not reality. Once you’ve identified the thought as false, replace it with a positive affirmation.

Daily Affirmations to Boost Your Confidence as a Writer

Once you’ve identified a negative thought as untrue, you’ll want to replace that thought with a statement that is true. Here are ten daily affirmations to get you started:

  1. I am a talented writer who has valuable stories to share.
  2. My words have the power to inspire others.
  3. I am committed to my writing craft, and I will continue to improve with every piece I write.
  4. I am capable of creating impactful and meaningful work.
  5. I trust my instincts and am confident in my creativity.
  6. I am grateful for the ability to write and share my voice with others.
  7. I embrace the challenges that come with writing and I view them as opportunities to grow.
  8. I am open to feedback on my writing and willing to learn from others.
  9. I believe in myself and my writing abilities.
  10. I am dedicated to my writing practice, and I make time for it every day.

Incorporating these affirmations into your daily routine can help you stay focused and confident in your writing.

4 Ways to Incorporate Affirmations into Your Daily Routine

  1. Write each one on an index card or sticky note and stick one to your bathroom mirror every evening, so you wake up and read your affirmation.
  2. You can also write your affirmation down each day in your journal or on your calendar.
  3. Every morning or before you start a writing session, stand facing a mirror, make eye contact with yourself, and say your affirmations out loud.
  4. Repeat all ten as a mantra when you feel doubt or insecurity creeping in.

Remember: Trust in yourself and your abilities.

Conclusion

When you change the way you speak to yourself, you boost your confidence as a writer—and a person—and create a space where you are able to produce meaningful work. Speak kindly to yourself, challenge negative thoughts, and repeat your daily affirmations. With these tools, you’ll set yourself up to become a confident and successful writer.