What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to writing?
“I’m afraid people won’t be interested in what I have to say.”
“I don’t think I’m an expert to talk about anything.”
“I don’t dare to ask people to pay for my writing.”
“I lose motivation to be consistent.”
“I feel like an imposter.”
I bet you’re facing one of these challenges when you're nodding your head right now.
I’ve been there a thousand times.
I guess my dad, a former stockbroker and a finance guy to his core, triggers my bad thoughts
I still remember my young, naive, positive beautiful 18-year-old me telling my dad I wanted to become a writer.
“You want to become a writer?” He spit out the words.
“All writers are either broke or alcoholics!”
So I studied law.
“Good! That’s something where you can earn good money.”
8 months later I dropped out of university.
I did some main character sh*t and studied journalism
Left my university in Frankfurt “and my (your) family” and moved to Cologne, two hours away by car.
My dad would never visit me in my small apartment in the media capital of Germany where I’d spend almost three years studying journalism and media communications.
Since then my dad (now almost 80 years old and much softer)…
…often says:
“You do what you want anyway.”
Although it’s a bit sad, I also see it as a compliment.
When I look into the mirror I see a thirty-something woman who’s married with two kids in the house, a great corporate job as a marketing manager and part-time writer.
On Notes, I shared this:
I’m happy I did some main character sh*t and studied journalism.
Because I want the same for you, I invited my friend
to this week’s live session inside my membership experience and “Substack Kickstarter Bootcamp”.Soon-to-be published Penguin Random House author and inspirational speaker Veronica shared with us that the harsh truth is that…
Your inner doubts will quiet your voice.
Your insecurities will make you play safe.
Your what ifs will paint the darkest scenarios.
Your lack of confidence will dilute your message.
Your hesitation will be reflected in your (low) price.
So, how do you fix your mindset?
By reframing your thinking and your language.
Here are three strategies that she shares:
1. Your identity 🍋
If you don’t see yourself as a writer…
Who will?
Stop using minimizing language:
“I’m not really a writer.”
“It’s just a hobby.”
“I’m not a good writer.”
Embrace your identity to shape your actions and let your actions reinforce your identity.
You are what you do.
I am a writer.
Say those 4 words out loud.
Louder, please.
2. Your vision 🍋
When my coaching clients tell me they lose motivation, my default question is,
Why do you want to do it?
The focus of the conversation shifts from motivation to vision.
I exercise 6 days a week, and although I’m not always motivated, I still get out there.
Why?
Because I love being a fit person.
Because I crave the endorphins from sports.
Because I want to be a role model for my daughters.
Because I’m committed to my health and my well-being.
Vision overwrites (lack of) motivation.
This was me this week, at the finish line of a 13 km race in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, with my support crew ❤️
That’s my why.
What’s your why?
Maybe you want to make a living out of your passion or publish a book one day; perhaps it’s something you want to get better at.
Whatever your answer is, it must matter to you.
A lot.
Don’t commit to motivation, commit to yourself.
3. Your value 🍋
Rejection and criticism are part of the journey, no matter how big you get.
In 2019, Taylor Swift disabled her Instagram comments. This is why:
“Yes, I keep comments off on my posts. That way, I’m showing my friends and fans updates on my life, but I’m training my brain to not need the validation of someone telling me that I look 🔥🔥🔥,” she wrote. “I’m also blocking out anyone who might feel the need to tell me to “go die in a hole h-” while I’m having my coffee at nine in the morning. I think it’s healthy for your self-esteem to need less internet praise to appease it.” Taylor Swift
If you are having a bad day, look at the reviews of any bestseller on Amazon. No one is immune from 1-star reviews, nasty comments, and trolls.
Some people won’t like your writing.
Some people don’t like my writing.
External validation is a dangerous game as it can lead to internal cancellation.
Don’t let the social tides dictate your emotions and your worth. Your value is not reaching 10,000 followers, getting 1,000 likes, or hitting the 6-figure mark. Those are outcomes.
Your value comes from living according to your identity and your vision.
That’s your win.
Find your value from within.
Lessons learned🍋
Embrace your identity: you’re a writer
Build a rock-solid vision that overwrites motivation
Find your value from within
Veronica’s Lemon Tree Mindset newsletter / The Book
🍋BONUS! - Get Veronica’s book from me🍋🍋
Thinking about becoming a member?
If you become an annual subscriber ($90) to The Online Writing School I’ll gift you The Lemon Tree Mindset (or another book) from Veronica.
Other perks for members:
access to Substack School and Medium School courses (as part of the Online Writing School community)
online writing group access
2x per month LIVE workshops and Q&A with inspiring voices, such as Veronica
book a 1-on-1 with me
special offers, such as bootcamps, masterclasses, Q&As
These were only three lessons of many we could learn from Veronica and her Lemon Tree Mindset.
