Time Spent Doubting Myself
December 29th, 2008 Posted in advice, personalA few weeks ago I was ready to lay down some ’serious’ excuses as to why this blog went several months without being updated.
I realized I was just making excuses to cover up for a major issue of mine. I want projects to be perfect or I wont see them through. I give up in ‘The Dip’.
The dumb thing is no one achieves greatness immediately. Winston Churchill was an unpopular politician for many years before his nation finally elected him Prime Minister during WWII, when he shone. Michelangelo spent years painting and repainting the Cistine Chapel.
So who am I to expect I would be a great blogger and writer after a handful of months. It wasn’t great so I just stopped completely, even ignoring some positive feedback from readers indicating I was on the right track.
My typical over thinking self was not happy with the blog – it’s nowhere near where I would like it to be. I don’t believe I have developed a unique voice yet or provided unique and valuable content. I’m not sure if my limited number of readers would be interested in some of the other writing I would like to include in this blog.
The same is true of an ebook I have written but not published. Deep down I know it is quite good. Everyone I have shown my final drafts too has been really impressed and I know the content is different to whats out there and will get results. Yet I doubt it, I think it should be longer, that I need to write 20 different bonuses to go with it, my draft sales letter will never work… and a million other cases of self doubt.
So from now on I need to doubt less and do more. Get back to ‘The Now’ and just do, rather than think endlessly. I have wasted far to much time doubting myself.
Thanks to all of you for reading and staying with this blog. I wish you all the best for the new year ahead. Get out there and make things happen, do not doubt your abilities.
3 Responses to “Time Spent Doubting Myself”
By Andrew McMillen on Jan 3, 2009
“I-m not sure if my limited number of readers would be interested in some of the other writing I would like to include in this blog.”
That’s trash and you know it, Bill. We have the opportunity to share our thoughts with the rest of the world. Might as well throw it all out there and see what sticks – within reason, of course.
It’s something that I know intuitively and yet, as you have highlighted in this post, it’s sometimes difficult to push on.
Thanks for the read.
By Andrew Ford on Jan 7, 2009
Seeing myself get through a dip is one of my goals for this year, but part of getting through a dip is realizing which ones are worthwhile and which ones are impossible. While having the best local burger joint is a realistic goal for anyone, having the best “personal” blog is a pretty subjective thing. So, I don’t see writing in my blog as a Dip, a challenge, any of that.
It’s just a way to help my writing and keep my friends and family up to date with what I care about.
Anyway, I check this blog out from time to time just because of your link in Tynan’s forum.
Keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
Andrew
By Bill on Jan 7, 2009
Woah, double the Andrew. Weird but cool, thanks for the feedback and support guys.
Andrew M, you are right I was just looking through your blog again and I’m digging the mix of broad life lessons as well as music industry and writing/promotion stuff.
I’m not hugely informed on the music scene but I studied PR and have worked in journalism, if you ever need some feedback or anything drop me a line.
Thanks for the advice – will start to broaden the horizons of the blog over the next few months. Hope everyone enjoys the ride.
Andrew F, I agree. Aiming to have the worlds best personal blog is a lofty goal and while it may be possible it’s not really what I want.
I just want to share some great ideas and writing with like minded people. I’m sure if I keep improving the quality then more people will read.