Success as a writer is oftentimes hindered by the negative mental voices saying “It isn’t something you can do.” Unfortunately, most of us pay more attention to these messages rather than forging ahead. If those critical voices could be stilled, we would believe ourselves to be capable of accomplishing almost anything because we wouldn’t know anything better. The writing capability of anyone isn’t restricted as much by outside influences as it is by inside influences.

Successful writers have one thing in common. They have learned to ignore the judgmental thoughts flowing around inside their brains. They keep writing. They find outlets for their writing. They explore many different ways to keep doing what they love. They devise ways to change the negative voice messages into something constructive.

• One technique to success is to first change the messages.

  Identify exactly what they are saying, and then work at modifying the meaning behind each one. Even though it sounds very simple, it actually is not. Those voices have been active for a long time. They are comfortable where they are. They don’t want to leave and have to live elsewhere. So they will fight back. They will resist whatever changes are made.

• The best way to change the messages is to do so a little at a time.

  Small changes over a few weeks eventually will create big changes. Break down the meaning behind the words into smaller and smaller bits. Change them to positive outcomes, and achieve success in replacing the negative words. Over time “You can’t do it” will be changed to “See, I told you you could do it”. The voices want to take all the credit, but they aren’t really smart enough to know who made the changes. Who knows, maybe it will lead to a marketable article.

• Be consistent every day.

  Think back to the days of going to school. No one received all 12 years of material in only one year. Each year was filled with subjects that were understandable based on the previous year’s work. Slow and steady. Small changes followed by rewards will lead to larger changes and success.

• Ask what you really want.

  Those who only think they want to be a writer, but then listen to the negative messages maybe really don’t want it badly enough. In which case, it is probably better to explore other possibilities and search for what they really want. Maybe they are simply looking for sympathy from others when they say “I could be a writer if I just had (???)”.

  Anyone with the “poor me!” attitude is placing limits on themselves and falling for all those old self-doubt messages in their head. It reduces their value and abilities with excuses and self-caused barriers. They are only looking at the dark clouds instead of looking beyond to the sunshine and flowers. Negative thoughts will hinder the exciting adventures that await.

If you have decided to forge ahead in spite of negative feedback, then you deserve a prize right now. You have achieved your success. You have taken the first step, so I reward you with a hearty CONGRATULATIONS! It may not seem like much, but I assure you that it is significant. Now, your next step is to do something (anything) toward your goal.

Once your voices see that each change is a pleasure and results in an exciting adventure, they will be less and less noisy. They will sit back and enjoy the trip. Not unlike the result when people install a DVD player in the van to keep the kids occupied. Your voices will be so intent on finding out what you intend to do with the next stage of your trip that they will actually become encouraging.

Now that you have taken that one small step, take another and see what happens. If your desire is to become a writer, write only one paragraph of about 4-5 sentences. Later, write another. In between, explore the hundreds of opportunities for writers. There is a nook for your particular style of writing. You don’t have to write a whole novel and become famous in order to make a good living from writing. There are magazines, newspapers, freelancers, ghost writers, and much more. It is never too full. No one has your unique view of the world or can write quite like you. The field of writing is ever changing and ever growing. Start by writing about events that happened in your life, that shaped your career, that were your unique experiences. Did you ski in Alaska? Did you farm in Kansas? Did you go to school in India? What is you?

As you start to focus on what you can do, you will find that the voices become quieter. You have slowly helped them realize that change can be comfortable too. You haven’t displaced them. They may even have changed their messages to be supportive and encouraging. You have shown them that you value their input and respect it. Sometimes they will even help you stay on-track and focused when you have a deadline or difficult assignment. You are on your way to being successful in whatever you attempt.

You are now ready to branch out and try something different. Continue to explore opportunities for broadening your horizons. You will become more interesting as a person and more prolific as a writer. You will still have days of self-doubt. Everyone does. Just recognize them for what they are – transient – and keep moving. Even allow yourself to have these days once in a while as a reminder that not everyone is perfect. Have a happy life!