Some of my limiting beliefs are along the lines of: why should I be able to become a writer and fulfill my dreams when most people don't? What makes me so special that I think I can have an extraordinary life where I one day become a published author?
Thanks for sharing this incredibly valid take, it can feel so selfish/self centered to chase our dreams! But I would argue it can just so easily be flipped. Why SHOULDN'T I become a writer and fulfill my dreams when others DO? Why NOT pursue an extraordinary life and have my book published, if it happens for others? You are as worthy as anyone. Those who succeed are the ones who keep going. Good luck!!
I love the honest conversation about this! I think we should all be having more of it. I find there is often a "fake it til you make it" attitude that pervades publishing, and while sometimes that can work, it can also be lonely to not have anyone to discuss your fears with!
Completely! That is why writing community is so powerful - you realize that you are never alone in the (many) feelings that come up around writing and publishing. So glad you are here!!
Such a great article on beliefs and mindset! I find myself catching misbeliefs all the time, especially when it comes to my writing. I resonate with the misbeliefs you guys shared and find I have a similar one that loves to tap me on my shoulder: “You’ve been working on this book for far too long. You’ll never finish it. You might as well give up.” Such a mean inner voice. My response is: I can’t stop now. I’ve come so far. What if this book becomes all I hope for it to be and more? ♥️
I love the way you flip that - our inner voices can definitely be our worst enemies (and they don't have a magic 8 ball that somehow knows the future) so we have to do our best to ignore them! The ticking clock can be so loud, but it's only in your own head, and when you get there no one will care how long it takes. It was ten years for me, and everything that went into those years is just more to talk about in author talks now. You're building your author story. People love to hear about those who persevered, not those who got there quickly and easily. Rooting for you!
I think some of these limiting beliefs are prompted by seeing best-selling authors (at book signings, etc) with large crowds, great presentations, etc, and deciding that's the measure of success. As a rule, we don't hear about the hurdles they've overcome to get there, so we compare ourselves and find we are lacking. But of course, they have the same kind of feelings, it's just that they rarely talk about them. So good for you for doing just that!
It's so true that so often in our society we see the success, but not the marathon it took to get there. We will be the first to say how hard it was on all four of us to get our books out in the world! Hopefully more of these open and honest conversations will allow people to keep going even when they feel discouraged. Nothing worthwhile happens easily, or overnight - even if it appears like it has from afar!
Some of my limiting beliefs are along the lines of: why should I be able to become a writer and fulfill my dreams when most people don't? What makes me so special that I think I can have an extraordinary life where I one day become a published author?
Thanks for sharing this incredibly valid take, it can feel so selfish/self centered to chase our dreams! But I would argue it can just so easily be flipped. Why SHOULDN'T I become a writer and fulfill my dreams when others DO? Why NOT pursue an extraordinary life and have my book published, if it happens for others? You are as worthy as anyone. Those who succeed are the ones who keep going. Good luck!!
Definitely! Thanks Amy! 🥰🙏🏻
I love the honest conversation about this! I think we should all be having more of it. I find there is often a "fake it til you make it" attitude that pervades publishing, and while sometimes that can work, it can also be lonely to not have anyone to discuss your fears with!
Completely! That is why writing community is so powerful - you realize that you are never alone in the (many) feelings that come up around writing and publishing. So glad you are here!!
Lauren, thanks for the shout-out (and I completely agree!).
I really appreciate the idea of adding the “yet”!!
Such a great mental trick for all aspects of life - great tip Hadley!!
Such a great article on beliefs and mindset! I find myself catching misbeliefs all the time, especially when it comes to my writing. I resonate with the misbeliefs you guys shared and find I have a similar one that loves to tap me on my shoulder: “You’ve been working on this book for far too long. You’ll never finish it. You might as well give up.” Such a mean inner voice. My response is: I can’t stop now. I’ve come so far. What if this book becomes all I hope for it to be and more? ♥️
I love the way you flip that - our inner voices can definitely be our worst enemies (and they don't have a magic 8 ball that somehow knows the future) so we have to do our best to ignore them! The ticking clock can be so loud, but it's only in your own head, and when you get there no one will care how long it takes. It was ten years for me, and everything that went into those years is just more to talk about in author talks now. You're building your author story. People love to hear about those who persevered, not those who got there quickly and easily. Rooting for you!
Thank you for this reframe, Amy. ♥️♥️
I think some of these limiting beliefs are prompted by seeing best-selling authors (at book signings, etc) with large crowds, great presentations, etc, and deciding that's the measure of success. As a rule, we don't hear about the hurdles they've overcome to get there, so we compare ourselves and find we are lacking. But of course, they have the same kind of feelings, it's just that they rarely talk about them. So good for you for doing just that!
It's so true that so often in our society we see the success, but not the marathon it took to get there. We will be the first to say how hard it was on all four of us to get our books out in the world! Hopefully more of these open and honest conversations will allow people to keep going even when they feel discouraged. Nothing worthwhile happens easily, or overnight - even if it appears like it has from afar!