The first thing I want to do this week is congratulate a fellow Author and Blogger, JW Alden, for recently having one of his works published! His short story titled, A Giant Mess of Darkness was recently featured in Ray Gun Revival. It’s a great story from a great Author and I encourage you to check it out! Congratulations, JW!
Confidence
I’ve quite often heard that I’m a confident person—that I take on any challenge and smack fear in the face. Not to seem arrogant, but I’ll agree with these observations. I don’t like standing down and I don’t like saying “I think I can’t.” It is simply not me.
This carries into my writing. I like it. I love it, even. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that there is always room for improvement. However, because I am confident in it I don’t take criticism personally. Instead, I look forward to making my writing better, and I believe it always can get better.
The problem is that I have a tendency to believe everyone has the same outlook on life that I do. Once upon a time I was pretty insecure, but it has been so long I have forgotten that confidence doesn’t always come so easily. I believe it should come naturally and, admittedly, I can grow frustrated when I hear someone say “I can’t.”
That just doesn’t make sense, I think. If you “can’t” then just keep on trying until you “can!”
However, not everyone can switch from “can’t” to “can” with the blink of an eye. Again, I said many “I can’ts” in my day, but I forgot what “I can’t” feels like. To me, “I can’t” is quickly remedied: ignore the feeling and do the thing you need to do anyway—it’s simple!
Wrong, Randi. Time to fix that opinion of yours.
There is an upside to the opinion, though: I want everyone to be as confident as me because I want everyone to be as confident as me! Lack of confidence is not a fun thing. I believe I get frustrated because I want to help people feel better about themselves but—just like becoming more confident—it isn’t always that cut and dry.
So here’s what I am going to do: I am going to continue to encourage people. At the same time I will be more aware of their needs and not grow so frustrated. I am going to remind myself that some people need more time to overcome their insecurities and that “I can’t” can be a big, big thing to overcome.
The last thing I want to say about confidence is that I hope you know that you have every right to be a confident person and feel confident in yourself as an Author. You are talented, you are worth it and so is your writing! I sincerely hope that either you do believe this or you will come to believe it in the future.
Until next time,
—R
I truly believe everyone can do anything they set their mind to. When I try to convince my kids of this, sometimes (almost always) they interpret my encouragement as pressure or disappointment that they haven't already done more. Encouragement is a tricky thing....
ReplyDeleteIt certainly can be! I'm sorry they take your message that way--that's the kind of thing I'm trying to turn around, but sometimes it just takes a little extra prodding before the message is interpreted the right way :)
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Interesting post. I do believe in practical solutions or aiming for solutions to those 'I Can't' problems.
ReplyDeleteI'm gad you feel that way, Vik--makes overcoming obstacles that much easier. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteThanks so much, Randi! Wish I'd seen this sooner. You're the best. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a great post, too. Confidence, or at the very least, stubborn persistence is absolutely necessary when it comes to writing. The path to success is paved in rejection and criticism, and if we aren't confident enough to use those things to our benefit instead of letting them defeat us, we'll never make it. Hell, this is a business where a personal rejection is seen as a minor victory, for crying out loud! :P
You are so very right, JW! Reading your last line actually made me stop to think about your point for a minute. After I did, I laughed. We writers must have a little touch of insanity in us if we actually rejoice over personal rejection! Thanks for the great comment.
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteI am very happy I can post with name/URL option :)
I really enjoyed J.W. Alden's short story as well. I am not a sci-fi buff, but I found his short to have all the makings of a great short story.
I think confidence is an important attribute to have, but yeah not everyone has it in surplus. I got it, sometimes, and am happy when I do cause that's when I'm most productive.
Hi Magic Mint!
DeleteAfter you told me that you couldn't sign in I went and looked at my settings for the first time, ha ha.
And I'm glad you find confidence and know how to use it to fuel your work. Feeling good about one's self is a great thing!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting :D
You just have a wonderful big heart :) you will really inspire more people and give them the confidence that shines off of you. That is a goal I know you can do. You are just amazing in all that you do, and that positive, confident attitude that you have always shines through.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you never give up, I know so many others won't :) You are just an amazing person. You are truly wonderful and, again, I am so blessed that I know you and have you as a friend and inspiration!