56: How to Build Confidence as a Writer

56: How to Build Confidence as a Writer

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach February 12, 2020 Duration: 17:55
Inspire Your Success
BusinessEducationEntrepreneurshipSelf Improvement

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I share five simple actionable tips that will give you more confidence as a writer. I used these same tips to scale my freelance writing into a thriving business.

5 Confidence Building Tips for Writers​

1. To Gain Confidence, Gain Mental Clarity

If you want to build confidence as a writer the first thing to understand is to determine where you are at mentally. Is your mind telling you that you're not very good? Have people told you that in the past? Gaining clarity on what truths or lies your mind is telling you plays a hugely important part in building writing confidence.  

To gain mental clarity, I regularly practice meditation and self-hypnosis. Invest in noise-canceling headphones and find your inner zone of genius. Self-care really is important in drowning out the negativity that tends to drag us down when we are stressed or tired. 

Make gaining mental clarity a regular practice!

2. Clarity Leads to Competency

When you have successfully 'mastered' a skill you feel more confident. This applies to freelance writing as well. The more you write, the more confident you will become. 

In Malcolm Gladwell's book, Outliers, he presents the idea of the 10,000 rule. The idea behind this rule is that anyone who has mastered a craft puts in the work on the front end first. I was not a great writer when I started, but the point is I started. With time, I got better because I continued to work on my writing skills. 

If you want to build confidence, get out there, start writing on Medium, create writing samples for Upwork and start pitching clients. 

3. Understand the Difference Between Criticism and Feedback

Asking for feedback put you in a vulnerable position, but to build confidence, you need to get over this hurdle and understand that feedback is to be used as a learning curve to become a better writer. 

Remember the only difference between feedback and criticism is how you take it! 

4. Write About Topics You are Passionate About

When you write about topics you are knowledgable and passionate about, it shows in your work! You will write faster, get more clients, make more money and gain confidence. 

5. Actively Flex Your Confidence Muscle to Gain More Clients

Clients can tell when you are desperate or needy. Gaining confidence in yourself and your writing is not just something you should do it is something you MUST do. 

At the end of the day, it really does come down to owning your skills, having an open mind, practicing mindfulness, staying self-aware and not getting down on yourself when you "fail". You must continue to put the work in again and again! FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training

Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach


Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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