Overcoming Impostor Syndrome When Writing Your Book

You are not alone if you struggle with self-doubt while writing your book.

Despite a decades-long career as a writer and editor, I questioned myself whenever I sat down to work on my first book. This went on for years.

As you step into a new version of yourself as a published author, inner fears and insecurities will almost inevitably arise.

Every book author we've coached has had to reckon with limiting beliefs or subconscious fears at some point while writing. These thoughts whisper in the back of your mind, or on some days, they may be loud and outright paralyzing.

I call this voice your ‘inner impostor.’

Regardless of your credentials or subject-matter expertise, your inner impostor might create thoughts that sound like:

Who am I to write a book?

Other people have written great books on this topic; mine will never be that good.

Nothing I want to share sounds that original, interesting, or intelligent.

And beneath those thoughts may be fears like, 'What if I’m judged or ridiculed or I completely fail?'

When you find yourself second-guessing your expertise, knowledge, credentials, or the whole idea of writing a book, say hello to ‘impostor syndrome’.

Merriam-Webster defines impostor syndrome as “a psychological condition characterized by persistent doubt concerning one's abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one's ongoing success.”

Feeling like a fraud or that we aren’t “good enough” is more common than you think. When writing a book, this can show up as procrastination and even perfectionism. Working towards the dream of becoming a published author is a ripe opportunity for our subconscious fears to stall our progress.

Impostor syndrome threatens to stop even the most accomplished among us. Literary legend Maya Angelou spoke about the impostor feelings she experienced each time she published a book: “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’”

Angelou was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and won three Grammys for her spoken word albums (plus numerous other awards), yet she still felt that, deep down, she didn’t have a clue what she was doing.

Does knowing that even the most accomplished writers second-guess themselves help ease your self-doubt?

Fear of big change is a very human experience. It's often at the root of our self-doubt and impostor syndrome. It’s essential to give ourselves a break when the inner voice of fear shows up. We don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out to help or inspire others with our book.

Facing and moving through my own limiting beliefs and fears has transformed my life and shapes the work I do today coaching others through their subconscious blocks. When you bring more honesty and reflection to your inner experience, you keep growing and evolving into the person you know you can be. If you are serious about serving others by writing a life-changing book, it’s time to examine what may be holding you back. Your readers are waiting on you!

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Are you ready to stop stalling your calling and bust through writer’s block, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and other obstacles to finishing your book? I wrote my latest book for you:

Awaken Into Flow: The Soulful Leader’s Guide to Writing a Transformational Book is available wherever books are sold. I also narrated the audiobook so you can tune in and go deep, with dozens of guided meditations to get unstuck. You'll find it on Audible and other audiobook platforms.

For your inspiration and writing momentum, download Chapter One of Awaken Into Flow here:

https://www.modernwisdompress.com/awaken-into-flow