Welcome to this week’s thought of the week.
This week’s quote is:
“The only thing standing in your way is your own self doubt”
I believe this is what stops a lot of people from chasing their dreams. I know self doubt has stopped me in the past.
For a long time before starting this blog I have wanted to write a novel. I have made all the excuses – no time, what’s the point without a literary agent, what’s the point because a publisher isn’t going to take me seriously etc.
Maybe those are valid points (actually scratch the maybe, they are valid points), but the truth is I was using them as an excuse to not start writing. After all, you can’t fail if you don’t even try right.
When I really think about it, yes, time is an issue, but I can fit it in – it’s not a race and it might take longer than I would like but that’s life.
I don’t have an agent/expect a publishing house to take me seriously as a writer with no agent. That doesn’t matter now self publishing is a thing that doesn’t mean paying some dodgy company a bomb to buy your own book back.
Once I accepted these were only excuses, I stopped believing that to not try means you can’t fail. Not even trying is a form of failure in it’s own right.
So here I am, over half way through my first novel. The plan was to have it finished by the end of the year. Maybe I will do this, maybe I won’t. But one thing is for sure. I will finish it.
Don’t let self doubt stop you. Chase your dream – even if you don’t catch it, you’re no further back and you can at least know you gave it a shot.
Has self doubt stopped you doing anything you love? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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Self doubt may delay things, but hopefully we all get there in the end. 🙂 Good luck with finishing the novel. I look forward to reading it on my kindle
I sure hope so! Thank you so much, I hope you like it once it’s finished 🙂
sometimes we can hold ourselves back without even realising it! I find I can make excuses for things that aren’t even affecting me but i just can’t admit i’m holding myself back – fear of failure is a big one for me ! thanks for sharing this it really resonated 🙂 #candidcuddles
This sounds just like me! I finally just got sick and decided to go for it, what’s the worst that can happen! I think writing this blog has helped a lot in terms of starting writing my novel 🙂 Thank you!
How inspiring! I totally agree. When you put your doubts aside, it’s amazing what you can accomplish. Will you publish your novel online when it’s finished? I’d really love to read it! Stopping by from #candidcudles
Thank you 🙂 I’d really like to go down the traditional publishing route (hint hint if anyone from any publishing companies sees this!) but if not then yes, it would be an e-book. If the dream happens and it gets picked up by a publisher I’ll send you a copy 🙂
That’s so true Debbie. If we could stop doubting ourselves & just give it a try, who knows what could happen!! Easier said than done of course. I’m sorry my comment is so late this week xx
It’s always worth a shot! Yes it is easier said than done. No worries, busy time of year 🙂 x
The world would be an interesting place if we all had self confidence. I hope getting a book deal works out for you x
It would, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Thank you 🙂 x
How exciting writing a book!
Definitely agree with the quote- self doubt is always in my way!
Thank you so much for joining in with #HappyDaysLinky x
Thank you, I’m really enjoying doing it 🙂 Same here, it took me a long time to finally stop doubting and just do it! Thanks for hosting 🙂 x