Is it OK to feel that way?
Hi folks,
I've been here for 2 weeks, I finished level 1 and created my first site. I learned more about online business this time around than ever before. The only thing that seems to be holding me back is writing.
I understand that writing quality content is crucial to succeed in this business. When I read articles I like the ones that are witty but I just can't bring the things I like when reading into my own writing. I'm very critical of myself, especially because English is not my first language.
Every time I need to write anything it takes me hours or maybe a day. Just writing the About Me page took me the whole afternoon. And I'm always very self-conscious and ask myself constantly while writing "do I sound stupid or pathetic?". I just don't feel confident enough to write.
Did anyone experience this starting out or is it just me?
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks for listening lol!
Recent Comments
43
I spend hours writing 1 good article so you are not alone there. Give yourself as much time as you need:)
Hey Steve, it's good to know I'm not alone. I'll go at my own pace and try not to put too much pressure on myself. Thanks =D
Hi Marina, I can totally relate, I way over-think things and find myself questioning what I'm trying to write. I guess I'm just taking it one step at a time and learning as I go and I'm sure my writing skills will improve over time. If you look at the classrooms and the subject "Authoring & Writing" there are something like 54 tutorials and 16 videos to help with writing and content. I'm working through some of those and it's helping. :-)
Hey Kirsty, It's good to know other people are going through the same problem as we are. It gives me hope that maybe every good author out there had a similar start lol. I'll absolutely check the " Authoring & Writing" section. Thank you for your comment and advice. All the best =D
Sometimes it takes me a day or two to write some of my Street Articles. When I had to write about me on my website, it took me two days. I think I write better if I don't try to do it super fast in a short period of time (rushing or putting pressure on myself!).
Hi sidekick, I appreciate your comment and I agree with you. Rushing and putting pressure on ourselves will lead to nothing good. I'll go at my own pace now and see how things flow. All the best =D
Hi Marina! I consider myself a decent writer and it takes me a whole day to write a good article. I'm lucky if I get in two. Go at your own pace and write what feels *good to you*. If you write from the heart, your readers will understand and appreciate your sincerity. I think you're writing is very good. It has content, structure, and (most importantly) it connects to your readers.
Hi Chi! Thank you for your encouraging words. I think that writing from the heart is the way to go if you want to be honest and connect to your audience. From now on I'll always think about that when I need to write anything. Cheers =D
How long did it take you to write your post? Because it sounds just fine to me! :) I think you write very nicely so don't be too hard on yourself. Just write what you think and feel, put down everything you want to say, and then it's easy enough to go back and rearrange, cut and paste. I think if you just make sure the content is there first, you can refine it and dress it up later. All the best! :)
Hi DonDon, I appreciate your comment =D This post took me about 15 minutes but I have to say I was interrupted by my husband and step-daughter about 4 times while doing it so. And then I always double (triple) check before submitting. I'll take your advice to put my content out there first. Thanks a lot!
Don't put so much pressure on yourself, I mean you're just starting out. Just write SOMETHING. You just need to practice, practice, PRACTICE, and your writing will improve as you go along. It'll get easier as you form your writing voice and whatnot, and soon you'll be cranking out quality posts like nothing. Just trust me! You can do it!
Hey Robert, thank you for your encouraging words, I guess I just have to change my mindset to " I can do this", keep practising and eventually I will improve my writing skills. Much appreciated =D
I would say make sure your grammar and sentence fluency is correct and you'll be ahead of the curve. You said English isn't your first language so have someone edit it before hand. I only speak English and I have people edit my stuff, that is a good practice.
Now my question to you is, what do you not feel confident about? Is it putting words on paper? Do you not really know enough about your topic to sound intelligent? Are you able to talk about your niche with people face to face? If so, just put down what you would say in person on paper, so that way you can talk to more people.
I'll point out as well, being critical of yourself is ok to a point. When it stops you from moving forward then it becomes an excuse and something totally different. You aren't going to be perfect because there is no such thing, you are going to do the best you can at this time and get better. A year from now you will look back and say, "Wow, I thought that was good? Heck no that isn't good, I'm embarrassed I thought that was good. Now THIS, THIS is good."
Hi skyhorse, I really appreciate your comment! Answering your question: I'm not confident about my own writing skills, my ability to put my thought into words in a way that's understandable and enjoyable to the readers. Talking about my niche is not a problem at all, it's something I really enjoy doing and have been doing since I was a kid =D
That is good you realize your problem. What I would Adonis have someone else write your content.
Now hear me out. Sit down with a person who is well versed at writing and getting ideas across on paper. Talk to them about your niche. What it is, good things about it, how people use it, why people would want to learn about it, etc. Have this person then lay something out that is sensible and step by step that you are wanting to communicate.
You'll both be working on it because it is your words, your ideas, they are just there to help mold it into something that goes on paper. Then in the future when you feel comfortable then you can start taking it over more once you learn how and such. That's my 2 cents.
Yep, I had that.. It's just a mental block and it quickly goes away the more you write. For me it was all about flow. I couldn't get the words to flow naturally and it was frustrating at first. but the more i wrote the better i got.
As Kyle would say, get your content out there first.. don't get stuck on 1 article for 2 hours. As with anything in life you'll get good at it :)
-Shaun
Hi Shaun! Your words are very reassuring. I'm relieved to know you had that and overcame it. Thanks =D
Anything you try new is difficult in the beginning, but with time it will get easier. Practice makes perfect. One of the most difficult things for most people including myself is to stop worrying about what other people will think, Just be yourself, you are unique.
Hey Bob. I do worry about what other people will think lol, and that's terrible. I really need to stop doing that and maybe everything will flow better. Thanks for chiming in =D
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You are definitely not alone. I HATE writing. I love everything else about the online life. You will get better and faster as you go along. You can always edit later. My practice is to start with an outline for each page and then write something very brief, but including all of your outlined items. Once you have something publishable, get it online. You can always add to it or delete it.
Hey TheRichWoman, I appreciate your comment! Starting with an outline is an awesome advice and I'll try that. Changing subjects: I checked your site and I really loved it. All the best =D