# Mastering Your Mindset: Overcoming Self-Doubt in Writing
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Mental Game
This discussion revolves around the psychological aspects that can hinder your progress as a writer. I’ll share an illustrative football story that reveals how negative self-talk can obstruct your creativity and productivity. After illustrating the problem, I will provide three effective strategies to overcome it.
During a typical Monday night football match in 1998, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Denver Broncos. As the Chiefs tried to score their final touchdown, penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct plagued their efforts.
What led to this setback?
The answer lies in a concept known as “trash talk,” a tactic used in competitive sports where players attempt to distract their opponents. In this game, Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas of the Chiefs was responsible for three of the five penalties incurred. This distraction was instigated by Shannon Sharpe, a tight end for the Broncos, who cleverly exploited Thomas's emotional vulnerabilities by reciting his girlfriend’s phone number, causing Thomas to lose focus.
In the post-game interview, Thomas expressed remorse, stating, “I let a situation spiral out of control. I apologize to my teammates for jeopardizing our chances of winning. Such actions will not happen again.” Despite his physical prowess and training, Thomas struggled to manage the internal pressures of emotions.
Your Inner Dialogue and Writing
Are you ready to delve into your own experiences? I propose that you might be undermining your potential as a writer with negative self-talk.
Just like in football, where trash-talking can detract from performance, I find myself procrastinating in ways that hinder my focus. For instance, when I intended to write this article, I found myself sidetracked by checking my Medium statistics, which only led to feelings of inadequacy.
Imagine that moment in a horror film when the character opens a dangerous door, oblivious to the impending doom. That’s how I felt as I opened my stats, only to see minimal engagement—a solitary clap for a comment I made. This triggered an avalanche of self-doubt: “Why even bother? Nobody cares about my writing. It's all worthless.”
I won’t even ask if you’ve experienced something similar when checking analytics, only to be met with disappointment that fuels self-criticism.
Just as Thomas lost his concentration on the field, we too can find ourselves distracted by our inner critics. Visualize facing a formidable opponent in an NFL game—someone equally matched in skill and determination. The psychological warfare can determine the outcome of the game, just as our internal battles can shape our writing journey.
The Weight of Self-Criticism
Within our minds lies a silent adversary—self-doubt—whose relentless whispers undermine our confidence. These negative thoughts can stifle our creativity and, at times, provoke us into delivering subpar work.
Three Strategies to Combat Inner Criticism
Fortunately, there are constructive ways to address these critical voices that plague our thoughts. Here are three strategies tailored for writers:
Evaluate the Evidence
Take a moment to jot down all the reasons you believe you will fail and juxtapose them with reasons for success. This practice can help you assess your situation more objectively.
Reflect on Your Strengths
Create a list of your positive attributes and skills. Consider how these strengths can empower your writing pursuits.
Nurture Self-Esteem
Consider starting a self-esteem journal to foster a healthier self-image. Engage in practices that promote self-acceptance, such as speaking positively about yourself and recognizing your achievements.
Conclusion
Managing your mindset is just as crucial as crafting your narratives. Investing time in cultivating a positive writing mentality is essential for every writer. You must become your own advocate in recognizing your worth. If you allow the voices of self-doubt to dictate your journey, the story of your writing career will be incomplete.
Chapter 2: Practical Applications
The first video, "Activities to Introduce Sport Psychology Techniques," explores various methods to harness sport psychology principles to enhance performance and mental resilience in writing.
The second video, "Writing for Publication in Sport and Exercise Psychology," provides insights into the process of writing effectively within the realm of sport psychology, offering valuable tips for aspiring authors.