Don’t Lie to Yourself About Your Writing Dreams

All right, let’s chat while I get ready for a Peloton ride. Have you ever noticed how writers sometimes lie to themselves about their goals? They might say they’re writing just for practice or stress relief but then mention wanting to gather an audience. This contradiction shows they desire both personal fulfillment and recognition, possibly even profit, which is perfectly fine!

Embrace Your True Goals

Admitting your true goals is crucial. When you don’t, you’re selling yourself short and setting yourself up for failure. It’s okay to say, “I want to write because I love it and I’m good at it, but I also want to make money from my writing.” This honesty helps align your efforts with your real ambitions and motivates you to take actionable steps toward achieving them.

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Fear of failure often prevents us from admitting our dreams. I talk about this a lot on my podcast, especially when discussing resiliency. This fear can lead to procrastination and prevent us from taking risks. I’m a recovering procrastinator myself, and it’s a constant battle. The fear of not achieving our goals can be paralyzing, but by acknowledging and embracing our true desires, we can overcome this fear and move forward.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

If you don’t admit your goals to yourself, you’re creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where you’re less likely to achieve them. It’s essential to be honest with yourself and, when you’re ready, share your goals with others. This doesn’t mean you have to announce them to the world immediately but start by acknowledging them to yourself. Look in the mirror and declare your ambitions. As you grow more confident, share these goals with trusted friends or family.

Taking Ownership

Taking ownership of your dreams means actively working towards them. It means recognizing the duality of wanting to write for personal satisfaction and public recognition. Both are valid and can coexist. By owning your dreams, you’re more likely to stay motivated and take consistent action toward achieving them.

Practical Tips

1. Daily Affirmations: Start your day by affirming your goals. Remind yourself why you write and what you hope to achieve.
2. Set Clear Goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less intimidating and more achievable.
3. Surround Yourself with Support: Join writing groups or communities that encourage and support your ambitions.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This keeps you motivated and focused.
5. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can help keep you accountable.

Final Thoughts

Lying to yourself about your dreams only holds you back. Be honest about what you want to achieve and take proactive steps towards making it happen. Embrace your ambitions, overcome the fear of failure, and actively pursue your goals. Remember, it’s okay to dream big and want to achieve great things with your writing. Own your dreams and go after them with confidence!