Karen Brown Tyson

Category: Change Management

10 Steps How to Write the Best Chapter of Your Career
I focused on dealing with career changes and following our dreams in recent posts. Now it’s time to turn our attention to redesigning your career. In today’s post, we will look at ten steps to write the best chapter of your life.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Sometimes it’s a good thing when bad things happen.

Gone are the days when you stay with an employer for 30 years. Four years ago, I was laid off from my corporate communications job. While I wasn’t expecting my day job to go away, it didn’t take me long to see that it was the stepping stone to the next destination on my career path.

My story of being laid off has been on my mind lately as I see so many people taking part in the Great Resignation. Since my corporate job ended, I started:
- a freelance communications and public relations business,
- offering my services as a writing coach,
- writing a book, which I published in 2018,
- traveling to conferences as an attendee and a speaker, and
- teaching my favorite subject, English, at a community college.
But none of that would have been possible had I not taken control of my story.

And you can too.

This post will take you through the ten steps I used to map out a new life and career vision to write the best chapter of my life.

Step #1 – Define who you are to find the career you want.

The first time I got laid off, I was 29 years old. I was in such a rush to find another job that I ended up taking a terrible job that did not end well.

But the experience forced me to step back to define who I am.

Therefore, I had to ask myself questions like:
- What makes me different?
- Do I have products or services to offer?
- How can I highlight my accomplishments?
- Will people benefit from the information I can provide them?
- In what ways do I offer value?
These questions helped me understand who I am and what I have to offer to a potential new employer or client. The exercise also helped me develop my personal brand story.

You can create your questions or use Stanford’s career assessment tool.

Step #2 – Exercise your idea muscle in planning your next career.

I am a big fan of capturing ideas in a notebook or as part of mind mapping exercises. I like to use mind maps for everything from career planning to writing. A mind map is a chart that visually displays ideas. While some people like to create mind maps using notebook paper and pens, I like using an online mind mapping tool called MindMeister.

Once you decide which tool to use, here’s how mind mapping works:
- Write the topic in the middle of your paper or screen.
- Draw lines that point away from the middle. Each line expresses one thought or idea related to the subject. Use keywords to write these ideas onto each line.
- From each line, add more ideas. Don’t feel like you have to limit the number of ideas you add to a mind map.
- Use pictures, colors, and icons to help bring your map to life. This approach helps to spark new ideas during the brainstorming process.
You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere. Lee Iacocca

Step #3 – Use your ideas to map out your vision journal.

After completing the idea mapping activity, divide your ideas into two groups – short-term and long-term. First, select the ideas you want to pursue. Using a plain notebook, sketchbook, or journal, write a brief description of each idea. For example, one of my ideas was to write a book that helped people find hope and strength during challenging times. I listed the idea in my journal. Next, add pictures related to your ideas. You can draw images, cut out pictures from magazines, and add stickers. Since you are creating your vision, make it as clear, bright, and exciting as you want.

Step #4 – Bring your ideas to life with a vision board.

If you like the idea of having your vision posted on the wall, consider making a vision board. Your vision board should feature keywords and phrases from your idea map like the vision journal.

Don’t forget to add your favorite images, quotes, or objects. You can use various pictures like postcards, family photos, and photographs from magazines. Use index cards to write messages.

If you’re wondering where to begin, here’s a shortlist of tools for creating a vision journal or a vision board.
- Notebook
- Journal
- Sketchbook
- Pictures and words from magazines
- Markers and colored pencils
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Inspirational stickers
- Stencils
- Stamps and ink pads
- Art supplies (paint and brushes)
Step #5 – Start researching the next chapter of your career.

Make a list of all the ideas you want to explore from the mind-mapping exercise. Then, take the ideas you want to research and start listing questions about each idea. The questions you create for each idea should help you find the answers you need. For example, if you see yourself working as a professional writer, ask questions about everything required to begin working as a writer.

Answer the Public allows you to type in a keyword or phrase, and the tool generates a wheel of question keywords related to your topic.

Step #6 – Develop the skills you need to succeed.

Once you have your new career vision mapped out and researched, determine what skills you need to succeed. Talk to people who are doing the type of work you see yourself doing in the future. Create a list of the skills required and a timeline.

Step #7 – Build your brand.

Building a personal brand is not optional.

It is a strategy for survival. Personal branding, also referred to as personal marketing, helps you to:
- Establish your reputation in your industry;
- Promote your experience;
- Stand apart from your competitors; and
- Attract new employer, client, or fan.
In a world of economic uncertainty and job loss, you owe it to yourself to build your brand.

Taking the time to market your know-how and skills will move you closer to the next chapter of your life.

Step #8 – Take your new career vision for a test drive.

As you work to transition to your next chapter, find ways to test your new career vision. Look for opportunities to volunteer, job shadow, or work as an apprentice. Use your current job to explore new avenues for your career vision.

While working as a corporate communicator, I was fortunate to gather a lot of experience. I worked as a communications manager for our company’s manufacturing business unit in one role. To better understand the manufacturing world, I studied Six Sigma. While it wasn’t a requirement for my job, I saw it as an opportunity to move in a different direction. As a result, I use my Six Sigma knowledge to help clients with efficiency and productivity.

Step #9 – Track your progress.

Once you begin to work through your plan, keep track of your progress. Re-evaluate where you are and make changes as necessary. Don’t be afraid to switch gears if you don’t like something.

Step #10 – Don’t lose track of your new strategic vision.

Don’t lose track of your vision as you begin to map out the next chapter of your life. For example, if you dream of becoming a professional writer, don’t get discouraged if you don’t have 20 clients lined up. Instead, stay focused on your vision and keep working at it consistently. However, if money is running low, don’t be afraid to take a non-writing job to pay the bills. The most important thing is to not give up on your dream.

If you haven’t started your writing journey yet, there’s no better time than today. But, first, read through my 10 Steps to Writing a Nonfiction Book.
March 3, 2022
How to Fix Your Broken Writing Routine Immediately

Photo from Adobe Stock

Updated February 2022

Writing is hard. Despite your best efforts, you can never find enough time to get your content out the door. You dream about the day when you have a writing routine that helps you write and publish content consistently. If this sounds familiar, it may be time for you to fix your broken writing routine immediately.

But what if I told you I know how you feel? Despite writing content for work, I struggled to write every book I started between 1997 and 2017. Ten years! However, in six months, I became a published author by making a few changes in my writing routine.

I will share some tips to help you fix your writing routine. By adding these tips to your writing routine, you’ll find a flow and a process that works for you.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Take small steps to make big changes

Lean Six Sigma is an effective method used to solve problems. For example, I learned to use Lean Six Sigma tools while working as a communicator in manufacturing. Since it was clear my writing routine wasn’t working, I turned to Six Sigma to help me solve the problem.

I decided to use the Kaizen approach, which uses small steps to improve a process, a habit, or a product. While I believe in the DMAIC tool, where you create a plan to define, measure, analyze, improve and control a process, I decided to make my version called AIM, which allows me to analyze, improve and manage.

I recorded my answers on sticky notes, which I put on a large piece of paper taped to the wall. Once I reviewed my notes, I discovered a few reoccurring themes. Whether writing an article or a book, I realized that time and place were issues affecting my writing.

To improve, I turned to Dr. Robert Maurer’s book, One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way. Dr. Maurer believes that by taking small steps to correct a problem, we only need to take small actions to achieve our goal.

I agree and embrace this approach. So, I asked myself, ‘What small steps will I take to fix my problems in managing when and where I write?’ The small steps I decide to take serve as actions to fix my problems.

Finally, to help me manage my writing routine, I kept my actions visible to stay focused.

Action step: Analyze your current writing routine to determine what works and what doesn’t work. Be honest with yourself. Determine what small actions you will take to improve.

Say goodbye to excuses

If you want to be a writer, you must constantly improve.
Jerry Jenkins

As a certified Six-Sigma communicator who tells clients, ‘Change does not have to be hard. You can do this,’ it was time to take my advice and change my thinking about writing.

With the research compiled to start my small actions list, I examined my unfinished writing projects to see any worth saving. A book I wanted to write was the only thing worth pursuing. But before I started researching, outlining, or writing, I had to deal with my problem with finding the right time and a place to write.

My list of reasons I could not write included too much work, too many projects; family obligations like taking my son to swim practice; carpool duty; and not writing in my favorite spot. The list was long.

But my reasons were excuses. It was as if I expected time and opportunity to tap me on the shoulder. But it never happened.

Not finding the right time and place to write were excuses I needed to kiss goodbye.

Action step: Make a list of why you struggle with your writing projects. Pick out the excuses. Determine what small actions you will take moving forward. Add the information to your vision board.

See yourself in the future

Change starts in one’s mind.

Real change requires both head and hands. In addition to doing things differently, we must also think differently. For me, this meant prioritizing my writing.

I practiced mind imagery to complete my book, where I saw myself writing and finishing my first book. Used by professional athletes like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, mind imagery allows you to see yourself completing a task like swinging a golf club, making the winning shot, or, in my case, picking up a copy of my first book.

How often did I do this? Every day until I finished the book.

I envisioned myself writing everywhere through imagery – in my kitchen, at airports, in train stations, in the carpool line (before school let out). And it worked – soon, I was able to write consistently.

If you want to see a change in your actions, you must first change your thinking.
Karen Brown Tyson

Action step: Identify one to two writing projects you want to complete. Use mind imagery to envision yourself finishing your next writing project.

Divide writing projects into manageable tasks

Armed with a new way of thinking, I ditched my old writer mindset.

I got rid of all romantic fantasies about locking myself in a room for an entire weekend and emerging with a 50,000-word manuscript ready for publication.

I am not saying writing 50,000 in two days can’t happen. I’m just saying I no longer think about writing a book this way.

Writing a book can be a big challenge. I realized writing a book overwhelmed me to the point I would give up.

I divided my book writing project into manageable tasks and created a writing map with my new mindset.

One thing to remember: the writing map is only a guide. I still created a detailed outline and marketing plan for my book.

Action step: Create a writing map. Identify the steps you will take to complete your writing assignment. Post your writing map where it is visible.

Find the right time and place to write

Have you ever struggled to find the right time and place to write? I did.

I had no problem writing content anywhere and everywhere for work. Writing presentations at the airport before a flight? No problem. Writing a press release before bed after an 18-hour day? No problem. Writing one chapter of my book during a five-day business trip? Not happening.

It was easy to put other people’s projects and priorities ahead of mine. I had to learn it was okay to take care of the world as long as I cared for myself.

Does this describe your writing life? If so, it’s time to get a grip on when and where you write.

Step 1 — Determine the most important things you must have each time you write. My must-have items are a laptop, notebook and pen, and headphones. If you need coffee, add it to your list.

Step 2 – Whether you write at home or want to write while traveling, figure out how you will manage potential distractions. For example, I write at the kitchen table when everyone is out of the house at home. However, when I write in public places like coffee shops, airports, or train stations, I use my headphones to minimize noise and distractions.

Step 3 — Identify your ideal time to write. Pick a time when you are most creative. For example, I like to write between 5 and 10 a.m. using my laptop. However, if I’m traveling and don’t have time to write until later afternoon, I use a notebook to capture my thoughts.

Imagine sitting down to write again, but you are eager to get to work this time.

Instead of dreading the sight of your computer, you look forward to writing.

You took the necessary steps to find time to write.

You’ve got your new writing routine. Now all you have to do is follow it.

The world is waiting to read your next masterpiece.

February 1, 2022
How to Show Support for Black Lives Matter

A Note from Karen: Since starting this blog, I don’t usually talk about anything other than writing, productivity, change, or faith. The recent events related to social injustice compel me to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Here’s a look at how to show support for Black Lives Matter.

My thoughts on recent events in the news

The past few weeks and months have been tough for me. The senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others are heartbreaking.

And unfortunately, all too familiar.

No matter how many times I see social injustice, excessive force, prejudice, unconscious bias, and systemic racism against people of color, I am shocked and disappointed. It’s hard to believe I’m still facing the same injustices endured by my great grandparents.

In the spirit of those who fought before me, I’m taking a stand for human rights. I sincerely appreciate all of the bloggers, writers, clients, and entrepreneurs who sent me messages of support in recent weeks. Now I must speak out through my platform to bring about the change I want to see.

Ways you can help

In addition to peaceful protests, there are several ways to join me in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement through action.

In recent weeks, I’ve joined organizations in their fight against racism and injustice:

NAACP (the leading civil rights organization in the country).

Equal Justice Initiative (an organization committed to challenging racial and economic injustice).

Read more about racial and social injustice, consider buying books from a Black-owned bookstore, or donate to support grieving families and protesters.

If you decide to donate, here’s a tool highlighting people and companies that will match donations.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

In addition to the social injustice we see across the news, we must also examine systemic racism in other places like the publishing industry.

On June 8, book publishing and media workers committed to “a day of action in solidarity” in the long history of murders and injustice of Black people. The 1,500 workers also cited the publishing industry’s failure to hire and retain Black employees or publish a significant number of Black authors. The group donated one day’s pay to the Equal Justice Initiative and asked others to join them.

You can follow the group’s discussion through #PubWorkers4BlackLives on Twitter.

We cannot stop now

In addition to witnessing senseless acts of violence and racism, I see hope. In recent weeks, it’s been nice to see peaceful protests involving people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. I’m pleased to see people talking, learning, and growing.

But we cannot stop now.

We must keep pushing forward for the change we want to see in the world.

June 22, 2020
How to Conquer Change with the Help of Writing Therapy
Everyone is facing change in this unprecedented time in history. In recent posts, I focused on journaling, survival, and following our dreams as a creative way to deal with the change many of us are facing. To close out this series, I thought it would be important to explore how to conquer change using writing therapy. If you are using writing therapy to relieve stress or deal with change in your life, please share your experience to help others.

There’s a sense of panic in the air.

With travel restrictions, job layoffs, and the loss of precious lives from every part of the world, more and more people are feeling overwhelmed by the global pandemic.

During times like these, it’s good to talk to someone. A recent discussion highlighted the urgent need to help people cope with disruption and loss, also known as “Adjustment Disorder.” Understandably, some people will need mental health treatment.

While it may be necessary for some people to get mental health treatment, others may find relief through creative outlets like painting, knitting, drawing, or writing.

Today’s post highlights the benefits of writing therapy and how to use it to conquer change.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

What is Writing Therapy

Writing therapy, sometimes referred to as journal therapy, relies on journaling exercises and prompts to improve mental health. As a supplement to other types of mental health treatments, writing therapy is a creative tool that could help you deal with conflict and change.

While writing therapy can be done with a therapist or in a group, you can also write on your own. The main point of writing therapy is to allow creative expression to help us with mental health and healing.

However, we shouldn’t think of writing therapy as merely writing in a journal. The three differences between writing therapy and keeping a journal are:
1. Writing therapy is more structured and involves exercises and prompts. Journal writing allows you to jot down thoughts using free form.
2. Where journal writing involves recording events as they happen, writing therapy aims to highlight specific events and your response to those events.
3. Keeping a journal or diary is usually private and personal. In contrast, writing therapy takes place with a licensed medical professional who works to guide you through your writing sessions.
Understanding the Benefits of Writing Therapy

If you currently keep a journal, then you understand how valuable journaling can be for you. Journaling has helped me through many life experiences, good and no so good.

Now examine how helpful writing therapy can be for anyone experiencing stressful life events like the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or feelings of depression. Research shows that people who wrote for at least 15 minutes, four days straight, saw improvements in their mental and emotional health after four months.

As a result, writing therapy has proven effective in helping people through such conditions as:

Anxiety
Depression
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Grief and loss
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Substance abuse
Eating disorders
Chronic illness
Relationship issues
Low self-esteem

How to Start Writing for Therapy

Overall, there are two ways to begin writing therapy – either with a mental health professional or on your own before meeting with a therapist.

If you decide to begin writing before meeting a mental health professional, here are a few tips to help you prepare.
- Find a writing format that works best for you. A few options are a journal, notebook, or an electronic writing app.
- If you are motivated by color and design, you may want to add stickers and affirmation cards to your journal or notebook.
- Find a quiet place where you can write.
- Decide ahead of time how long you will write each time. Don’t feel pressured to write for hours.
- Identify the topic you want to cover and why you decided to start writing.
Remember, once you start writing:
- Don’t worry about how long or how much you write.
- Forget about grammar, style, and spelling.
- Write as if no one will ever read what you wrote.
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For your writing session, the Center for Journal Therapy suggests using the WRITE process which stands for:

W – What will you write about? Identify what’s going on and how you feel. Be specific.

R – Reflect on your writing topic. If necessary, close your eyes and take deep breaths.

I – Investigate your feelings. If you are writing about feeling stressed, be honest with yourself as to why you feel stressed.

T – Time yourself. Set a timer to write for 5 to 15 minutes. Make a note of the start time and end time at the top of the page.

E – Exit your writing session by reading what you wrote. Add a few sentences about what you notice about what you wrote and how you feel.

Writing exercises and prompts

There are many exercises and writing prompts to help you begin. Here are a few examples:
1. Write a letter to someone.
2. Try writing a letter to your 10-year-old self about life as a grownup.
3. Make a list of 100 items that relate to one topic or theme, like things that make you sad, things you love, or things you want to accomplish in life.
4. Take 15 minutes to write about anything that pops in your mind.
5. Mind mapping to explore your thoughts around a single topic or problem and everything that connects to it.
6. Use personal photographs to write about what you were feeling or thinking in the photo.
Finally, writing therapy is one way to deal with the anxiety that comes with change. But it’s not for everyone. You may find relief in other creative ways such as drawing, painting, and knitting.

If you need help, please get support. Talk to a therapist. Connect with your support systems like your spouse, family members, or friends. Contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline at +1 (800) 950-6264.

ABOUT THIS POST: Thank you for reading this post. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, medication, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified mental health provider with questions about mental health symptoms or medical conditions. Do not disregard professional psychological or medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of this post.
May 28, 2020
How to Rekindle Your Love for Writing
If you and writing are long-time friends who can’t find the time to get together anymore, below are seven tips on how to rekindle your love for writing.

I publicly declared my love for writing in 1998. I can remember telling my coworker, Robin, that I was planning to write my first book. Although I always wanted to write a book, I never told anyone. But I felt safe sharing my dream with Robin, who would eventually become one of my dearest friends and biggest cheerleaders.

It took 20 years for my dream to come true. Yes, you read that right, 20! While I don’t remember all of the reasons it took so long, I know that I fell in and out of love with writing so many times I lost count.

Sometimes writing and I met regularly. At first, we found time to get together early every morning. Sometimes we met late at night while everyone in the house was asleep. Throughout the day, we would look for opportunities to steal a few minutes together here or there. When we tried to meet on long flights, we were interrupted by curious seatmates or tempted with the latest movies. The times we thought we could get together on the train quickly faded as my attention moved to something else. Because we found it so hard to find time for each other, we grew apart.

Does this sound familiar? Don’t worry. If this is the year you finally finish writing something that’s been rolling around in your head for a while, it’s never too late to rekindle your love for writing.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Find Your Writing Blockers

The writer’s block, where writers feel a creative slowdown that prevents them from writing, is shared within the writing community. However, when talking to writers, I find that external forces outside the brain can block the creative writing flow. I call them writing blockers. Every writer must come to terms with the potential blockers that keep them from writing. I did a little experiment to identify my writing blockers. Every time I started to write but stopped after a few minutes, I noticed I got up to walk across the room or to go upstairs. Since I used to work in an office that offered standing desks, I realized that’s what was missing in my home office. To fix the problem, I got an adjustable standing desk converter to put on top of a table.

Other tools I use to deal with writing blockers include:

Noise-canceling headphones. I was given the Bose QuietComfort headphones as a gift, which I love because they offer such a rich sound while reducing distractions. But there are lots of great headphones on the market.

Calm. While I originally downloaded the Calm app to help me sleep better, I found the music to focus on while writing.

Find out what prevents you from writing. Is your writing environment loud, uncomfortable, or distracting? Within five minutes of your writing time, are you interrupted by something? Are you too tired to write? Once you find your writing blockers, deal with them quickly, or they will rob you of your precious writing time.

Start Small

As you rekindle your love for writing, don’t try to tackle too much at one time. Take small steps to keep going. Dr. Robert Maurer, the author of, One Small Step Can Change Your Life, believes we only need to take small steps to correct a problem. For example, to start writing again, commit to writing one sentence or paragraph per day for seven days. Once you reach your goal, increase the number to two sentences or two paragraphs. Whether you take big steps or small steps is up to you. The idea is to start with something small enough for you to handle and keep going.

Exercise Your Brain

When I want to rekindle my love for writing, I turn to my next love: reading. I love to read books, newspapers, and magazines to get new ideas for blog posts, articles, or future books. I use brainstorming as a way to explore new ideas. For example, while reading an article in one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, I brainstormed on the idea of becoming a more organized writer. As you read, jot down ideas that make good writing topics.

Write Your Way Free

Whether it’s been a while since you wrote anything or you write every day, freewriting is a good way to begin every writing session. During a freewriting session, you set a timer for a certain amount of time, like 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, give yourself a 5 or 10-minute break. When I write for 45 minutes, I take a 15-minute break. During a freewriting session, you can write about a specific topic or use a writing prompt. As you write, don’t worry about editing, grammar, or punctuation. From start to finish, write, and don’t stop.
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Renew Your Vow to Write

If you are serious about starting a new relationship with writing, then it’s time to renew your vow. Start by asking yourself questions like:
- On which days can I write?
- How long do I have time to write during each session?
- Where will I sit/stand to write this week?
Do you need to forsake your family or give up your favorite hobby? Absolutely not. In making a new vow to your writing, you also get to decide how you will manage your other relationships and interests. If you are serious about being faithful to your writing, protect your new commitment.

Give Yourself Permission to Take a Break

As a writer, I had to understand that sometimes I may need to take a break from writing. During a recent break from writing my second book, I read Bryan Hutchinson’s book, Serious Writers Never Quit: They Find The Way. Full of insights and tips on writing, I found the boost I needed to get back to writing my book. The most satisfying part of the book is in Chapter 11 when Hutchinson wrote, “Everything you’ve done or not done up to this point no longer matters. Let it all go.” I love that! For weeks I felt behind schedule and disappointed in my writing progress. But no more. I let those feelings go immediately. Bryan’s book inspired me to start writing my book again, and a review on the book for my blog.

Don’t Overthink It

It’s time to start writing again but don’t overthink it. Whether you write for one hour or one minute is entirely up to you. Blow the dust off your unfinished manuscript, poem, short story or whatever you were working on. Just start where you are and keep going. And if you stray again, apologize to your writing and start again.
January 16, 2020
How to Unlock a Successful Writer’s Mindset

This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

For a writer, life is filled with ups and downs. Some weeks are a writer’s dream full of writing projects, and a nearly finished manuscript. While other weeks are tough. But the writing life is not just about struggles with content and clients. For me, the main battle is sometimes in my mind. I soon realized the need to build a successful writer’s mindset.

Mostly every writer experiences some form of mental anxiety like fear, imposter syndrome, or self-doubt. Critiques of my writing send my mind wandering: I wonder what that comment meant? What do you mean you don’t get it? I wonder if I should have written something else?

In preparation for a college writing course I plan to teach, I decided to read, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck.

In the book, Dr. Dweck highlights what it means to have a fixed mindset compared to a growth mindset. While the person with the fixed mindset believes they have unchangeable talents and abilities, the person with the growth mindset believes they can improve their skills through learning and hard work.As a person who believes strongly in the growth mindset, I decided to write down a few things I would do to transform my mindset as a writer. This is my personal checklist to help me deal with mental obstacles. Some days I’m the heavy-weight champion of the world. Other days, all I want to do is throw in the towel and go back to bed.

I hope my list inspires you to identify your obstacles so you can create your own list. More importantly, I hope you see you are not alone in your struggles with mindset. But If I can be successful in writing a book despite my challenges, so can you!

Here are 7 things I started doing to transform my mindset as a writer.

1. Embrace self-doubt

Lots of people in lots of professions have doubts about their work. For me, I learned to embrace self-doubt as part of the writing process. But I don’t let it derail me. I quickly acknowledge my feelings and move on.

2. Write about your feelings

As I learn to acknowledge self-doubt as a normal part of the creative process, I use my planner (see also ‘How To Use A Planner?‘) to make a note of my feelings. You can use any notebook or journal (see also our article on junk journals) to record your thoughts. I use my LifePlanner, which includes lots of inspirational quotes and a page specifically designed to develop a new mindset.

3. Learn new skills

The road to a new writer mindset includes learning new skills. Once I figured out the areas where I felt weak, I decided to read books, articles, and take courses. With new knowledge came a new level of understanding. For example, I improved my editing skills by reading Take Your Writing to the Next Level: 20 Editing Tips from Professional Writers

4. Learn from other writers

In addition to learning new skills, I also look for opportunities to learn from other writers. I enjoy reading anything by Steven Pressfield, Bryan Hutchinson, Ann Hadley or Jeff Goins. They offer great insight and knowledge from their writing experiences.

5. Build your writing community

The writer’s journey can be lonely. So I make an effort to meet other writers, either virtually or in person. By connecting with other writers, I can talk about my writing projects and learn about their writing experience. For example, I recently met Wendi, a blogger who graciously allowed me to be a guest blogger on her amazing blog, Strength 4 Spouses.

6. Add new weapons to your arsenal

If one of your areas of self-doubt revolves around editing or proofreading, enlist the help of grammar tools like ProWritingAid and Grammarly

7. Rely on your faith

When I feel self-doubt creeping in, prayer always works for me.

How will you transform your mindset

I hope this list inspires you to make your list. It helps remind me that the key to overcoming self-doubt is a new mindset and positive thinking.

If you ever need help or inspiration, I’m here for you. Let me know in the comments how you work to unlock a successful mindset.

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July 9, 2019