There are many skills and personal traits that can help you be a better writer. Confidence might not be the first one to come to mind, but it’s more important than you might think. If you want to be successful as a writer, you need to believe in your work and your abilities. 

You also need to be confident enough to share your work with others and communicate with your audience. 

However, it’s not always that easy. You might feel comfortable with your writing, but if you struggle with self-esteem issues or you’re dealing with doubt, you’ll lack the necessary confidence to promote your writing properly. 

So, what can you do to boost your self-esteem? How can you build confidence as a writer? Let’s cover a few tips.  

Find Your Voice

If you feel like you’re writing about things you don’t enjoy or things you’re not familiar with, you’re going to struggle to be confident in the subject. You might even lack confidence in your ability to get the job done. It can be hard to connect with certain audiences – especially children or preteens. So, it’s essential to find your voice and make sure you’re not copying certain tones or themes that have been played out before. 

First, take a deep breath. There’s a reason you wanted to become a writer. You have great stories to tell and a unique way to tell them. It’s time to let those characteristics come through. 

One of the best ways to do that is to use a mantra. If you’ve never tried an encouraging saying before, it can feel a bit silly at first. However, a mantra is a great way to bolster your self-esteem and reduce stress. It will give you a clearer mind and provide an open opportunity for you to grow your self-esteem. 

With that clearer mind, you can set realistic goals for yourself – small and large. As you accomplish each small goal, you’ll bolster your confidence and motivation, and it won’t take long before you’re feeling stronger than ever when it comes to your writing. 

Don’t hesitate to look for inspiration to find your voice, too. Read books that have motivated you in the past. Spend time in nature. Change your scenery. Sometimes, it takes stepping out of your comfort zone for your true voice to shine through. 

Surround Yourself With Support

Writing might be a solitary activity, but if you struggle with low self-esteem, surrounding yourself with the right people will make a big difference. 

In fact, spending too much time alone could contribute to negative thoughts that might hinder your work. Some of the mental health risks of loneliness include: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep issues
• Increased stress
• Low self-esteem

Take frequent breaks and spend time with people you care about. Surrounding yourself with positive people and understanding that you’re not alone can boost your mood, reduce your stress levels, and make you realize that you have a lot to feel good about. 

Not only will socializing improve your well-being, but spending time with the right people can also boost your confidence. Your friends and family will be quick to compliment you on your work if you’re willing to share. They can offer constructive feedback, suggestions, and encouraging words to help you keep going. They’ll be honest and loving, and genuinely interested in what you’re working on. 

So, even if you’re on a tight schedule or you want to get a few more chapters done quickly, don’t be afraid to take a step back from your work and spend time with your support system. 

Practice Self-Care

The term “self-care” has become so popular in recent years that you might think it’s a marketing gimmick. However, it’s actually an important practice for your physical and mental well-being. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or invest in “luxurious” forms of care to make a difference. 

Instead, self-care is about doing something every day that benefits your well-being and/or reduces stress. It could include things like:

• Exercising
• Reading other authors
• Journaling
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation

These are all things that can help you feel better and boost your self-esteem all at once. You can also try to change certain habits that could be holding you back, like not getting enough sleep or eating the wrong things. Yes, your diet could be negatively impacting your mood. Foods like oily fish, yogurt, oatmeal, nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate, can actually improve your mood, make you feel better, and help you to get through each day with confidence while fueling your mind for excellent writing. 

Whether you feel like you’re in a writing slump or you’re struggling to connect with your audience, don’t let a lack of confidence take your career off track. 

Instead, do what you can to build your confidence and self-esteem as a writer. It’s easier than you might think, and you’ll quickly realize that you have a lot to offer in this particular genre, and to a growing audience of eager readers.