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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.