What is Writer Mindset and Why Does it Matter?

Mindset means an established set of beliefs that we hold, often unconsciously. This is important to be aware of, because what we believe influences everything we do—or don’t do—in our lives. A positive mindset can keep us going through difficult writing days, criticism and rejection. A negative, doubtful mindset makes us much more likely to question ourselves, sabotage ourselves, and maybe even give up without reaching our goals.

Say, for instance, that you believe you are a good writer and that you can be a better writer. You believe that publishing books and finding readers is not only possible but probable. That belief is going to keep you going when the writing gets hard. It will keep you querying, if you choose to go traditional and are looking for an agent, or steer you through the sometimes overwhelming tasks of independent publishing. A positive mindset will assist you in improving your writing and finding your readers.

But if you harbor internal beliefs that say you’re not good enough, talented enough, or deserving enough to have a writing career—then you are ever so likely to get in your own way. Maybe you’ll resist valuable criticism, or rejection will send you into the slough of despond. You’ll be much more likely to fall into procrastination and avoidance. You might even actively sabotage your own attempts at success.

I believe that our mental health is also part of our mindset, which leads us to the next question:

How do anxiety and depression impact my writing life?

You probably already know the answer to this at a gut level. Anxiety negatively affects our creative and decision making abilities in a number of ways. It keeps us from sleeping. It makes us restless and edgy, so that it’s nearly impossible to focus, let alone find a flow state. It raises cortisol levels which can impact our health in a number of ways, which in turn impacts writing. And high levels of anxiety switch off the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for decision making and logical thought. Even low levels of anxiety spin us off into an endless web of “what ifs” that are never helpful to the writing process.

Depression impacts our energy level, both physical and mental. It can make both thinking and moving feel like wading through two feet of sludge in weighted boots. Depression distorts our thoughts and beliefs, as well, shading everything toward negativity and hopelessness. This is not a state from which we easily take creative risks or persist in pursuing a publishing journey.

So how could coaching help me with my mindset?

I’m so glad you asked!

First, an important side note. If you are experiencing high levels of anxiety or your depression is profoundly impacting your life, I urge you to find yourself a good counselor. Coaching is not a substitute for therapy—but it can be a fantastic supplement!

Now. Here’s the good news about our brains. Science is discovering that our brains are more malleable than previously believed. We can not only alter our mindset, we can change our brain chemistry and rewire and reset in ways that make us happier, calmer, more confident people. And this is excellent news for writers!

As a coach, I offer a comprehensive system designed to simultaneously help you calm anxiety, improve your mood, and go after your writing goals—whether that’s writing your book, seeking representation, or independent publishing.

What does a coaching plan look like?

We will work together to design a plan that is unique to you and your situation, made up of the following components:

• decrease anxiety or worry and increase focus using proven, effective self help tools

• improve mood and energy levels using proven, effective self help tools

• long and short term goal setting

• an action plan, with a simple, small step strategy that will not leave you overwhelmed

• procrastination busting

• time management—setting priorities and finding the time for what is important to you

• identify unhelpful mindset patterns and shift to helpful ones

• assistance with brainstorming, plotting, and problem solving your writing

Other coaching services I can offer

• How to actually write a book—including how to structure, plot, create characters, and finish a draft

• Writing lessons, on topics like character development, writing dialogue, discovering voice, and more

• Get it written, from beginning to end

• Thriving during—and after—releasing your book

Let’s set up a free thirty minute session

First—even if you have no intention of pursuing coaching, you are not wasting my time. And you are definitely not wasting your own! There’s not going to be an uncomfortable, high pressure sales pitch at the end of our time, even though I’m definitely going to make you an offer. Don’t let unconscious doubts and beliefs stop you from taking me up on this life changing opportunity.

Here’s what you’ll get for free:

• clarity on what it is you’re trying to do and what is getting in the way

• a live experience with a helpful tool that you can use on your own to shift your mindset toward positivity and success

• one small, totally doable action step to get you started

Just click below to get started. What do you have to lose?