From Edie: Every writer faces mindset battles. Today I explore 18 common attitudes that hold writers back—and how we find encouragement to overcome each one.
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18 Attitudes That Can Sabotage Your Writing Journey (and How to Overcome Them)
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Becoming a writer takes more than learning grammar, studying craft, and building a network. Those are important, but they’re not enough. The truth is, much of the writing journey is fought—and won—in the mind. Our attitudes can either propel us forward or hold us back.
Too often, writers stumble not because of a lack of talent or opportunity, but because of hidden mental battles: discouragement, comparison, impatience, perfectionism, and more. If we’re not careful, these attitudes creep in and quietly derail our progress.
Today I want to shine a light on some of the most common mindsets that sabotage writers. Think of them as roadblocks you can avoid—or warning signs that it’s time to realign your thinking with God’s truth. Recognizing them is the first step to replacing them with faith, perseverance, and joy in the writing journey.
Attitudes of an Ineffective Writer
1. Trying to do it alone. Yes, in many ways writing is a solitary endeavor, but for the writer who is a believer, we must remember we write with God. He is our source of strength, inspiration, encouragement, and creativity.
2. Forgetting to pray first. Number 1 leads directly into number 2. By praying before we start typing, we change our perspective, acknowledge our need for God’s guidance, and submit our words to Him. This simple, consistent act has had more effect on my writing than any other thing I’ve ever done.
3. Waiting too long to get started. I talk to writers—and wanna-be-writers—every day who are drowning in the reasons they’re not writing. They are postponing until everything in life is just right. Unfortunately, they don’t see the delay as the excuse it is. We all have “reasons” not to write. But the bottom line doesn’t change. Writers write.
4. Refusing to be patient. Yes, it’s bad to put off beginning, but we shouldn’t go into this expecting instant results. There’s a lot to learn to become a writer. There’s no timetable. It takes as long as it takes. As long as we’re learning and growing, we’re doing well.
5. Comparing ourselves to others. There will always be people who appear to have it easier. But none of us knows what’s gone before. I need to focus on my own journey. Comparisons lead to dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations.
6. Trying to do too much at once. Multitasking is a lie. Yes, we can have several projects going in the same timeframe, but we cannot work on them simultaneously. Part of learning to become a writer involves learning the art of setting priorities.
7. Refusing to change. Instead of growing and adapting, this mindset expects the publishing world to adapt to them.
8. Always expecting to be the exception. There are two ways things happen in the writing world—the normal way and the exception. It’s called an exception because it doesn’t happen often. Common sense needs to remind us that we cannot expect to live our publishing life as the exception.
9. Forgetting the reason we started writing. The reason why can get us through almost any obstacle. When we forget why, the resilience we had slips through our fingers.
10. Focusing on the negative. Just like anywhere else, in publishing disappointments will come. We can choose to live in the negative, complaining and whining, or we can learn from the struggle and move forward.
11. Waiting for perfection. Being patient is good. Expecting to someday be perfect is a pipedream. I write better today than yesterday, and I’ll write even better tomorrow. We do the best we’re capable of and keep moving. Perfection is a sinkhole that leads to nothing but defeat and failure.
12. Chasing trends instead of truth. It’s tempting to write whatever is currently “hot” in publishing, but chasing trends usually leads to frustration. By the time your book is ready, the trend may have passed. Staying true to your unique calling and voice lasts longer than any trend.
13. Ignoring feedback. Constructive criticism is a gift. Writers who refuse to listen to editors, critique partners, or beta readers miss opportunities to grow. Pride can be a major roadblock to progress.
14. Believing productivity equals worth. Word counts matter, but a writer’s value isn’t measured by daily output. Progress comes in seasons. Sometimes research, thinking, or prayer is the most important “work” of the day.
15. Isolating from the writing community. Beyond networking, writers need encouragement, accountability, and camaraderie. Avoiding community means missing out on growth, support, and opportunities.
16. Fearing rejection more than pursuing obedience. Rejections come with the territory. When fear of rejection outweighs obedience to write, we stop before we even begin. Courage to submit grows from trusting God with the results.
17. Over-romanticizing the writing life. Many picture writing as cozy coffee shops and endless inspiration. The truth? Writing is often hard, disciplined work. If we only write when inspired, we’ll rarely finish anything.
18. Letting success define identity. Publication, contracts, or bestseller lists don’t define a writer’s worth. Anchoring identity in God frees us from the roller coaster of approval, reviews, and sales numbers.
The writing journey isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about guarding our hearts and minds so we can persevere with joy. Attitudes like discouragement, comparison, and perfectionism may try to trip us up, but they don’t have to define our story. When we recognize these traps, surrender them to God, and choose healthier mindsets, we open the door for growth, creativity, and purpose.
Take a few minutes this week to reflect: Which of these attitudes do you struggle with most? What truth from God’s Word can you hold onto to replace that lie? The more intentional we are in protecting our mindset, the more freedom we’ll experience in our writing—and the more faithfully we’ll reflect the One who called us to write in the first place.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLE
She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.
Reminders like these are so helpful. I especially appreciated the reminders that we need community -- this wasn't my year to attend any writers conferences -- and that multitasking is a lie. One day at a time. One thing at a time. Thanks, Edie.
ReplyDeleteEdie,
ReplyDeleteThese reminders were terrific. Much of our writing life is a mental game of convincing our self to keep moving forward day in and day out. Your reminders and the community are important aspects. Grateful for this article,
Terry author of Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Revised Edition) [Follow the Link for a FREE copy]
Thanks for the great reminders. All of these are spot on. Writing, for many of us, is a series of destinations making a journey. But you have to stay on the trail to meet your goal. Thanks for being a faithful guide
ReplyDeleteTim Suddeth