Crisis of Confidence

I'm having a bit of a crisis of confidence this week, and nothing can shake it.

I don't know where it came from & I don't know how to get rid of it.

Some nights I sit at my laptop writing posts. After finishing a post it's only natural to read through it, to check it makes sense, to check spelling and grammar, but as I read through, little doubts start to creep in. I start second guessing everything I've written, feeling like it's not good enough. Then I pass the point of no return... I hit the delete button, and the post is gone forever.

I've started to second guess myself so much that it's stopping me actually writing anything. I have a page full of ideas in my blog notebook. The problem is, once it's left my head and made it on to the paper, I instantly feel stupid about it, and take it no further.

When I first started blogging, I used to look to other blogs for inspiration. The writing of others always inspired my own writing. Now, when I read blogs, I see people who are better writers than me, people who are more creative than me, with more ideas, and then I feel a bit rubbish about my own writing, my own ideas. It's hard not to look at those around you and compare your work, and a bit of that is ok, but it becomes a problem when you let it take over.

I haven't blogged for a week, and it's making me panic a bit.

There's an internal struggle going on. One half of me is struggling to publish anything due to fear of other people thinking it's not good enough. The other half of me is shouting 'Get a grip!!', this is my blog and I should just write whatever I feel like writing. If someone else thinks it's rubbish... so be it. It's very easy to say that, but I'm finding it a little more difficult to put that carefree thinking in to practice.

So, that's where I'm at right now. I think someone needs to give me a good shake to get me back on track!


Super Busy Mum

Share this:

I love reading all of your comments and getting to interact with all my readers so pop a comment in the section below and lets chit chat.

15 comments:

  1. You have absolutely no need to lack confidence - you write well and your photos are great. Why not go and give one of those cats a huge cuddle and get their opinion as I know they won't tell you anything different ... and I have a Pawfect Pets post lined up for when you next run that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate that a lot. I would love to give my cats a cuddle but they are snobs and couldn't possibly hug a low life like me!
      I didn't run Pawfect Pets this week, due to me feeling not very confident about it, but I'm going to try and get my act together for next week :)

      Delete
  2. Sorry to read that you are having a crisis of confidence. Try to remember why you started blogging...and your blog is totally unique. Only you can write it and that's why people will read it...to read your own words!!! I hope if you have taken a little break you will come back feeling refreshed and more confident and happy in your blogging x
    #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
  3. I completely agree that there's no point turning to a cat for sympathy!!
    I really sympathise with what you're going through. For me I don't so much worry about whether people will like my reading, more whether anyone will read it at all!! I only started my blog in August, and I know these things take time, but I can't help but look at other blogs and think everyone else has it so figured out!!
    I've made some really good progress and have the occasional stand out day with my views etc but generally it's all still fairly low. I've been feeling a little disheartened.
    For what it's worth I really enjoy your blog, and your writing, you have no need to worry!
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh no, I hope you can shake it soon. I love the quote 'Comparison is the thief of joy', just try to focus on yourself and on your story. Big hugs xx #MMWBH

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lauren--
    The fact that you could be honest with your words and even tell us that you are in a confidence bind shows me that YOU do have CONFIDENCE! This post is relate-able to so many of us bloggers. I go through this feeling more often than I would like. I just started blogging about three weeks ago and I always feel so much anxiety when I post my blogs, especially to Facebook. See, Facebook is sort of a joint family system where you would rather not share the personal feelings of your blog. That is why I am on twitter as @momscripter and on Google+ to try to get a more public following. My hardest thing is feeling judged my people I know for sharing to much!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is the first time I've seen your blog but it certainly won't be the last, I think you write very eloquently and the simple fact that you can admit that you find it difficult sometimes proves how confident you can be. I often think I have nothing to write about, and yet somehow, once I've started I find I have a lot to say (and I only blog twice a week). Keep going, you're doing great.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think this post shows you do have the confidence, you just need to find it - or remind yourself of it. Everyone has moments where we feel 'blah' about what we do, whatever it is - blogging or not. It's easier said than done I know, but try not to compare yourself to others - you are you, and that's what makes you and your blog special, and your blog is your little corner of the internet. The next time you think a post is rubbish and delete it, just save the draft and come back to it later - you might be pleasantly surprised about how you feel about it! Hope you get your mojo back soon xxx #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think you should definitely snap yourself out of it! What I just read is a very interesting and well written post. And you are right, this is your blog and you can write what you want. This is your creative space. I never explicitly think of readers when writing, as it can muddle things.
    xx
    #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's hard isn't it. I have moments like this. I had to stop reading some blogs, because I found I was 2nd guessing what they might think of what I wrote and therefore couldn't write. I sometimes I find its easier to take a step back and not try to write for a few days (or as long as it takes). When you're not trying to force yourself, the confidence comes back. You have nothing to worry about though. You write well and it's a pleasure to read. I hope you get your mojo back soon xx
    #MMWBH

    ReplyDelete
  10. Any writer/blogger worth their salt, no matter how talented, goes through moments of self-doubt at some point, so I wouldn't worry. Indeed, I'd say that these introspective moments are what drives us on to keep improving. Anyone who doesn't worry is probably not going to learn and grow very much. The key is to remember that 'better' is subjective and no one is better at writing as you than you are.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sometimes it's actually good to have a rest once in while, as it reinvigorates and helps you remember why you enjoy blogging so much. Don't worry, you're so not alone in this feeling. I get them ALL the time and they come in waves. It's very hard not to compare yourself to others, but always remember that it's your blog and your little space. You wouldn't be any good if you didn't want to strive to be better. That's what I keep telling myself anyway! :) Hope you're back on track soon and I've enjoyed reading your posts! #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
  12. The one thing I know for sure is that blogging should never make you panic, or feel insecure or anything else. Its a hobby and if you're not enjoying it maybe take a break and write when you're more in the mood. Otherwise there is a risk you'll never get back to it! We will all still be here when you're back on track. And for what its worth I love your blog and I'm sorry I don't comment more x x x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sending virtual shakes if that's what you need. I think as bloggers we all do this I know I do it alot and it's hard to shake off but sometimes stepping away and coming back really can help. I am constantly thinking are my posts boring my readers, will anyone ever even read this and the list and questions go on and on. I think just remember why you started your blog and why you love it. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me Happy Holidays! #sharewithme

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's good to remind yourself that it's your blog and it is up to you. I've had a recent tough week or so too about my blog, which I only just started at the end of November. 'When the going gets tough, the tough gets going' is a phrase I've found helpful many times; sometimes we have to choose to be tough and to get going. Writing this post must have been helpful in coming through this crisis. All the very best as you continue to grow your blog in the new year.

    ReplyDelete