I’ve been wanting to write a post about confidence for a while now, but I never really knew how to.
At drop-ins, I’m noticing that students have a tendency to discredit their writing skills. I always try to reassure them, but they never really believe me, and I can sense how embarrassed and vulnerable they feel. And that really sucks.
Sometimes I see students that love to write and learn; I see students that love their writing, and are comfortable with who they are. And frankly, I’m jealous, because I used to be like that: comfortable.
Where did that all go? How do I get that back?
Well, I don’t know.
I can’t tell you how be confident because I don’t know how to be confident.
When I write, I’m never satisfied with the results. There’s always something wrong. And sometimes it’s like, jeez I never want to write again.
There are moments when I really do like my writing. But more often than not, I don’t. More often than not, I feel bad.
And I wonder why I’m always so critical with myself. Maybe it’s a universal thing? Maybe it’s because of the education system? My parents? Societal pressure? Who knows?
But that doesn’t matter, does it? What matters is how I make myself feel better.
What I do is remind myself that writing is a process, and that, like any other skill, it takes time to improve. I remind myself that I’m in school for a reason. I’m here to learn, to find myself, and, most importantly, to have fun.
What I also do is read sappy romance stories, and get a good couple (dozens) of cries. (Send me some tear-jerkers you’ve read!)
Also, I’ve found that listening to Beyoncé helps me a lot.
But you do you; treat yo self. If you need permission or an excuse, I'm giving you one right now.
I think I’m getting better at this self-confidence thing. I hope you are too.
Best of luck,
Jameson