Insecurity. It's so real, it even has its own Wikipedia page.
It's born from fear.
Fear that you're wasting your time. Fear that you will never reach your goals. Fear that people are laughing at you behind your back about how stupid you are to think someone like you could succeed.
But take comfort.
There are plenty of us who feel just as stupid as you do.
We've just decided, we don't care.
Now, go get to work.
This is an IWSG Post
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group, day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Thanks to our IWSG creator, Alex J. Cavanaugh and this month's co-hosts: Allison Gammons,Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend!
Thank you for writing this post. I really needed the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI needed a bit myself!
DeleteI don't want fake perfections, either!
ReplyDeleteIt's own Wiki page? Wow...
I thought about editing it to add the IWSG...if only I knew how!
DeleteThank you Elizabeth for the encouragement!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome :)
DeleteAbsolutely love that last quote! Thanks for sharing all of them.
ReplyDeleteI liked that one too. It rings true for writers, I mean honestly- we can't stop if we wanted to. I believe writing is more like addiction than a job or hobby.
DeleteGreat quotes! Thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteVery encouraging post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :)
DeleteFunny how that hit home. It is a daily fight not to fall for all that crap! I'm thankful each day I step over it - although some days I step into it - I'm all for the fight!
ReplyDeleteSame here. Good days and bad days. I have to remind myself every now and then that we really are brave...maybe not ducking bullets brave...but putting-ourselves-out-there-for-criticism brave.
DeleteWonderful reminder. I tend to get wrapped up, forgetting it is simply an emotion, no more powerful than happiness or resolve.
ReplyDeleteResolve. That's a good word. I should put that on a note card and keep it.
DeleteA great, uplifting post. We are not alone. All of the great writers came to a point when they felt they could not keep on. But then, they somehow found the inner resolve to do just that: keep on. Thanks. :-)
ReplyDeleteNot being alone has been my sanity saver!!
Delete"We've just decided, we don't care." LOVE IT! Here's to not caring! Cheers! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll drink to that :)
DeleteYeah! That's why "Never Surrender!" is one of my favorite blogging lines to write. Onward to the battle of perseverance my friends.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. The only way we can fail is to quit. You're right- Never Surrender!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI just love this, especially making mistakes is better than perfection!
Thanks for the encouragement. I need it right now because I am working on the middle section of my manuscript and the middle section is always the toughest for me.
Shalom,
Patricia
A nice dose of inspiration, Elizabeth. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteLove that last photo. Needed to be reminded of that that. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI like that one too.
DeleteI love the 'Making mistakes is better than faking perfections'. Ain't that the truth. Love you! Thanks for the quotes. Eva, IWSG Co-host
ReplyDeletehttp://lilicasplace.wordpress.com
Hugs Eva!!! Isn't that perfect- genuinely perfect? LoL
DeleteMistakes beat the fake perfection crap any day
ReplyDeleteNever trust perfection.
DeleteNever give up, never surrender. Being stupid is fun. So there's that :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so very true. I've been fun my whole life :)
DeleteWhat a fabulous post. It is so right on. NOW, all I have to do is keep on truck'in Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat's right. Keep at it!
DeleteTrue, true - great post and thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteNow to test signature...
The Really Real Housewives
Woo hoo!! It looks beautiful.
DeleteOh my did I need to read this today, you have encouraged me! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteThe fear never stops, does it? the trick is to use the fear to drive us to do better. At least that's what I do. Thanks for the inspiration, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteNope, it never does. We just fake brave and keep moving forward.
DeleteGreat quotes, and timely advice :)
ReplyDeleteGood. I;m not the only one with insecurities :)
DeleteThis post is like an answer to my post today. I was whining, and you prod me to stop and smile and keep going. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo!! My work here is done. :)
DeleteLove the pictorial blog post. Did you make all those? I love the theme of the post. Great job and inspiring. Happy Belated IWSG DAY,
ReplyDeleteJuneta Writer's Gambit
I got them from Dollar photo and added words.
DeleteHappy IWSG day to you too!
I've stopped caring what others think. I'll never get everything right and I spent too much of my life in fear. Now I'm breaking free. :)
ReplyDeleteYay!! Me too. The older I get, the less I worry about the trivial stuff.
DeleteThank you for this kick-in-the-pants post, Elizabeth!!! You rock!
ReplyDeleteWhy thanks Tyrean :)
DeletePerfect is overrated anyway. Better to be unique and enjoy it:)
ReplyDeleteOverrated and boring.
DeleteDid my earlier response make it here? A few blogs aren't letting me comment...?
ReplyDeleteI believe I saw one on an earlier post- and this one worked!
DeleteLove the images you've put up. Hope I finally stop procrastinating and then beating myself up!
ReplyDeleteI still procrastinate. I think sometimes we have so many things to do, our brains freeze up a little.
DeleteYes, ma'am! This was so inspiring. Now I'm ready for another month of writing. Thanks, Elizabeth <3
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo!! I did the world a favor.
DeleteIt's good to know that somebody understands the insecurities.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand insecurities.
DeleteThanks so much for the inspirational post!! Made me smile. I'll refer to this post whenever I'm feeling a bit glum :) Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteAwesome :)
DeleteI love the encouragement. I joined IWSG after seeing numerous inspiring posts as well as writerly posts that I could relate to.
ReplyDelete