Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing

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July 12, 2024

The Crucial Role of Self-Confidence in Creativity

writer and warrior - self-confidence

by Susan Watts

As an author and a martial artist, I’ve discovered that self-confidence is not just a byproduct of skill but a catalyst for creative potential.

When we have self-confidence, we believe in our own capability, competence, and value to others. In martial arts, confidence comes from mastery and the continuous honing of skills. This self-assurance carries over into various aspects of life, such as creative pursuits.

Creativity thrives in an environment where one feels safe to take risks, make mistakes, and explore uncharted territories. Self-confidence acts as the bedrock of this environment. When we believe in our abilities, we are more likely to venture beyond the conventional, embrace originality, and express our true selves without fear of judgment or failure.

Martial arts, particularly self-defense training, offer powerful lessons in building self-confidence. When you learn to defend yourself, you gain a sense of control and empowerment that transcends physical boundaries.

The lessons learned in martial arts can seamlessly translate to creative endeavors. Just as martial artists practice techniques to build confidence, writers can develop routines and habits that foster self-assurance. Here are a few strategies:

Embrace Failure

In martial arts, every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Whether it's a missed punch, a flawed stance, or a failed defense, each error teaches a valuable lesson. Embracing failure means viewing it as a stepping stone rather than a setback. For example, whenever I would lose a sparring match, I’d analyze my weaknesses to identify areas for improvement. As a result, I went on to achieve future victories. The more you fail and learn, the more resilient and confident you become.

In the creative realm, failure is often a misunderstood companion. Every creative masterpiece has a history of drafts, revisions, and abandoned ideas. Recognizing that failure is an essential part of the creative process allows you to take risks and experiment. For example, a writer might draft several versions of a story before finding the perfect narrative. Each "failure" is a crucial step toward success. Adopting this mindset reduces the fear of failure and builds confidence in your creative journey.

Set Achievable Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is essential for building confidence. In martial arts, instead of aiming for a black belt right away, instructors provide students with a belt ranking system to break down training into smaller milestones. Students can then focus on mastering specific techniques and earning the next belt.

In writing, breaking projects into manageable tasks can make the process less daunting and more rewarding. For instance, if you're writing a novel, set goals like completing a chapter each week or writing a certain number of words each day. Celebrate these small victories to build momentum and confidence. Over time, these consistent achievements will culminate in a significant creative output, reinforcing your belief in your abilities. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small, to create a sense of progress and accomplishment.

Seek Feedback

Feedback is a cornerstone of growth in martial arts. Instructors and peers provide insights that help students refine their techniques and strategies. Regular feedback sessions, such as after sparring or during belt tests, provide opportunities to assess progress and build confidence.

Feedback is equally crucial in writing. Writers should welcome constructive criticism as it offers a different perspective and helps identify areas for improvement. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or collaborate with other artists to gain diverse perspectives. Positive feedback boosts confidence, while constructive criticism provides valuable guidance for growth. Learning to accept and apply feedback fosters a confident and resilient, creative mindset. Knowing that you’re improving based on feedback enhances your self-assurance.

Practice Consistently

Consistency is key in martial arts. But does practice make perfect? Not necessarily—practice makes permanent. I often tell my students if they aren’t trying their best when they practice, they are just reinforcing bad habits. Regular practice builds muscle memory and can enhance techniques and increase overall confidence. Establishing a routine, such as attending classes several times a week and practicing at home, contributes to continuous improvement. Over time, this consistent effort, if performed correctly, can lead to noticeable progress, reinforcing a student’s belief in their abilities.

In creative work, consistent practice is equally vital. Setting aside dedicated time each day or week for your creative pursuits establishes a routine that fosters growth. Whether it's writing, painting, composing music, or any other creative activity, regular practice helps refine your skills and develop your unique style. The more you create, the more confident you become in your abilities. Consistency also helps overcome creative blocks, as the habit of creating becomes ingrained, making it easier to tap into your creativity.

Visualization and Positive Affirmations

Visualization is a powerful tool to enhance confidence by mentally rehearsing success. I often use mental imagery to visualize myself successfully performing techniques, winning matches, or achieving specific goals. 

As an author, picture yourself writing effortlessly, watching your story unfold, or completing a writing project. This mental rehearsal can reduce anxiety and increase your belief in your abilities. Additionally, positive affirmations, such as reminding yourself of your strengths and past achievements, can bolster self-belief and combat negative self-talk. Statements like "I am a talented writer," "My creativity flows effortlessly," or "I have unique ideas to share" can shift your mindset and boost your confidence.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

The martial arts community is often tight-knit and supportive. When students train with like-minded individuals who provide support and challenges, their confidence can experience a significant boost. The camaraderie and shared experiences within the dojo foster a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.

The same is true for the creative world. Surrounding yourself with supportive and inspiring individuals can have a profound impact on your confidence. Join creative communities, attend workshops, and connect with fellow artists who understand your journey. Constructive and positive interactions with peers provide motivation, inspiration, and reassurance. A supportive network offers feedback, celebrates your successes, and helps you navigate challenges, ultimately boosting your creative confidence.

Conclusion

Building self-confidence is a dynamic process that requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges. By incorporating these strategies into creative pursuits, you can cultivate a strong foundation of self-assurance. Embracing failure, setting achievable goals, seeking feedback, practicing consistently, visualizing success, and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals are powerful ways to enhance confidence and unlock your full creative potential. As you embark on this journey, remember that confidence is not a destination, but an ongoing practice that evolves and strengthens over time.

What has your experience been with self-confidence in writing?

* * * * * *

Susan Watts

About Susan

Under the pen name Michelle Allums, Susan Watts has authored a young adult urban fantasy titled, The Jade Amulet and is currently writing the sequel. Her short stories are also included in the anthologies Christmas Roses and Forever and Always.

Susan has dedicated over four decades to training in multiple martial arts styles and holds the impressive title of a five-time US Karate Alliance world black belt fighting grand champion. Through her karate school, she is able to impart martial arts and life skills. Susan also incorporates her martial arts knowledge into her writing. An avid triathlete, she keeps in shape by running, biking and swimming. She lives in the country with her husband, where they raise animals and enjoy being outdoors. Susan also has three grown children and numerous grandchildren. In addition, she is a CPA and VP of finance for a company in her hometown. 

You can connect with Susan on social media or her website.

Top image courtesy of Writers in the Storm via Canva.

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9 comments on “The Crucial Role of Self-Confidence in Creativity”

  1. Confidence is built on knowing you CAN do something, because you've done it before. The first time is a little rougher.

    It's harder for those who have obstacles of any kind, but it is still achievable eventually, and you will know because you can dump Impostor Syndrome, and a whole host of other negative thoughts - and just work when you can.

    It comes down, in the end, to whether you're going to put the work in, however many hours it takes, to learn your profession as a writer. If you want it enough, you'll find the time, keep on track, solve each problem that comes - and put that book out there.

  2. Self-confidence is hard for me. I constantly second guess things, but I'm trying to give myself the support that I would give to a friend who is a writer. I know that as a writer, I can be too close to a project to see its value.

    I had a friend today who commented about falling in love with a project again. It stunned me because I couldn't imagine NOT being in love with that project... but she's a writer, and her self-confidence had slipped. Oddly, seeing that encourages me... because if someone THAT good can have moments of doubt, maybe there's hope for me?

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