Piece of Cake
Picture this: You're all set to bake a cake. You've got your ingredients, your recipe, and your enthusiasm. But as soon as you start mixing, your inner critic steps in. "Are you sure about that much sugar? Maybe check the recipe again?" Before you know it, you're second-guessing every step, adding a bit here, taking out a bit there, and the cake? Well, it's a half-baked mess. This is what happens when we let our inner critic take the lead in writing.
Rewriting Before Writing: A Recipe for Confusion
Listening to the inner critic during the writing process is like putting the punchline before the setup in a joke – it simply doesn’t work. Your inner critic is essentially urging you to rewrite before you’ve even written. It's a matter of sequencing gone awry. You’re trying to edit a story that hasn’t been fully told yet, like altering a recipe before the cake has had a chance to bake.
Embracing the Inner Cheerleader
The solution? Tune into your inner cheerleader or, if you have one, your writing coach. This is the voice that believes in you, that encourages you to keep writing, assuring you that the editing can wait until the story is out. Your inner cheerleader understands that the first draft isn't about perfection; it's about creation.
Journaling: Connecting with Positivity
One practical way to strengthen your connection with your inner cheerleader is through journaling. It’s a space where you can write freely, without judgment or criticism. Journaling helps you explore your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to tap into the positive, supportive side of your creativity. It's a conversation with the part of you that knows you can do it, that cheers you on every step of the way.
Trust the Process, Then Refine
In writing, as in baking, each step has its time and place. Let the first draft be the mixing and baking stage – unencumbered, free-flowing, a little messy. Save the rewriting and refining for later, once you have the full story in front of you. Silence that inner critic for now, and let your inner cheerleader lead the way. Remember, the best stories come from believing in your ability to tell them.
