Writing a Book: The Destructive Inner Critic, What it Costs You & How to Move Forward Anyway

“Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.” – Robert Tew

Have you ever noticed that when you want to do something new, something outside of your comfort zone, that this pesky (or even destructive) negative voice can show up?

It says:

You’re not smart, creative or fill in the blank enough.

You’ll make mistakes.

You don’t have it.

You’ll fail.  

Remember the last time you tried something new? It was a disaster.

You’re not good with change.

Your partner, friends, family fill in the blank will think you’re crazy.

The purple guy in this post is cute but the inner critic is a real monster.

It's the voice of doom and gloom radio and it can be demoralizing. This makes it difficult to get anything done, let alone something you really want to do, like writing a book.  

What the ICR Costs You

Letting the inner critic control your life is a raw deal. It keeps you stuck and living small instead of reaching your potential and achieving your goals. It’s especially toxic for creatives.  It can steal joy of creating and stop you from doing what you really want to do.

Move Forward Anyway

The inner critic is the voice of fear. Here are some steps to kick it to the curb and write the book you’ve been dreaming of (or anything else you really want to do):

Become Aware of the voice of the inner critic when it pops up with the same negative chatter that you’ve heard before (like a million times). When you hear it:

1.      Tell it to shut up and go away. I’m not in the camp that says that this is a misunderstood part of me that’s trying to protect me. If so, it’s a BAD friend.

2.      Replace it with a positive thought. Act like a defense attorney giving a rebuttal to a prosecutor. Use reality-based thinking to banish the inner critic and send it packing.   

Be Proactive. The inner critic wants you to stay in your comfort zone but don’t let it stop you. If you want to write a book, do it. Take action and find the resources you need, whether it’s reading books about writing books, taking a course or workshop, or hiring an editor or book coach.

Get Help. Check out The Tools by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels which features numerous ways to help you do what you want to do despite the fear. So does The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. If you want to add practical manifestation, check out Mind Magic by James Doty, MD.

Keep Going. Once you establish a positive feedback loop of

1. Taking action

and

2. Feeling good about yourself for doing so (yeah, you!), you’ll create momentum and the less than negative, nonstop, nattering voice will matter. I love alliteration!

Need help writing your nonfiction book?

📅 Contact me at info@thenaturalhealthbookcoach.com to book your FREE 30-minute book coaching session. We’ll talk about your idea, see if we’re a good fit, and make a solid plan so that you can write the book you’re dreaming about.