How to Write Consistently When Self-Doubt Creeps In

When self-doubt creeps in, it hits at the moments you’re already stretched thin. And if you’re a writer like me — someone who’s juggling life, family, business, holiday planning, and still trying to keep your book moving — then you already know this feeling all too well. Especially if you're thinking about pausing your writing for the holidays.

Before I get into this, if you're celebrating Thanksgiving here in the States, happy Thanksgiving in advance. I’m already in full holiday mode — movies included — and I hope you’re finding a little joy in the season too. But I wanted to talk about self-doubt today because for so many of you, this is the thing that tries to creep up right when you’re already doing the work. Right when you’re already moving. Right when you’ve finally started finding your momentum.

And I know you’re writing. You’re not someone who’s “thinking about writing a book someday.” You’re not someone who’s stuck at the starting line. You’re already in motion.

What you’re facing is something entirely different:

You’re writing… but your pace isn’t matching the goals you set.
You’re writing… but what used to work isn’t working anymore.
You’re writing… but your habits aren’t carrying you into your next level.

And that’s exactly why self-doubt hits harder now than it did in the beginning.

Let’s walk through this together.

Why Self-Doubt Feels Loudest When You’re Already Writing

One thing I want you to know upfront is this: Yes, I facilitate this community. Yes, I create these conversations. Yes, I show up with topics that aren’t just inspirational—they’re meant to get you moving.

But that doesn’t mean self-doubt doesn’t hit me too.
I feel it every single time I start a new book.

Like clockwork, the same thought pops up: “Was this book a good idea?”

Every. Single. Time.

And when that thought shows up, I know exactly what’s happening.
I’m nitpicking.
I’m comparing.
I’m mentally checking where other writers are versus where I am.
I’m slipping into that place of “Can I really pull this off again?”

And that’s usually the moment where I have to stop myself and say:
Okay, I see what’s happening. Keep going. Don’t let this slow you down.

Because here’s the truth — and I want you to hear me clearly:

**Self-doubt doesn’t show up because you’re unqualified.

It shows up because you care.**

Your hesitation is proof of your passion.
Your doubt is evidence that your writing matters to you.
Your questions don’t mean stop.
They mean you’re stepping into a new level of your craft.

And for so many of you, the real underlying struggle isn’t time.
It isn’t creativity.
It isn’t motivation.

It’s trust.
Trusting yourself. Trusting your follow-through. Trusting that when you commit, you’ll show up.

Some of you have wanted to work with me for a long time.
You’ve been listening to the podcast.
You’ve been on my email list.
You’ve been nodding your head through my livestreams thinking, “She’s in my brain.”

But when it comes to making the move — booking the call, joining No Time Writer, taking that next step — something gets in the way.

And more often than not, it’s not me you’re unsure about.
It’s you.

1. Doubt Is NOT a Signal to Stop

Let’s peel back this layer, because a lot of authors misunderstand this.

You think self-doubt is a warning sign.
A stop sign.
A message that says, “Wait. Don’t move. You’re not ready.”

But self-doubt is not a signal to quit.

If anything, it’s the opposite.

Doubt is a signal to keep going.
Doubt is a sign you’re expanding.
Doubt is proof that you’re doing something meaningful.

When doubt says, “Slow down,” I want you to respond with, “Actually, no. This is where I move.”

You’re not protecting yourself by stopping.
You’re holding your book back.
You’re stalling your momentum.
You’re quieting your own voice.

And you already know your story deserves better than that.

2. “I’m Fine” Isn’t Progress — It’s a Plateau

Let’s talk about something that came up repeatedly in the community survey many of you filled out.

A LOT of you said some version of:
“I’m writing. My habits are working… but I can tell they won’t carry me where I want to go.”

Listen, “I’m fine” can be one of the most dangerous traps for a writer.

Fine means familiar.
Fine means comfortable.
Fine means “I can make this work like I always have.”

But fine is a plateau.
A quiet one.
An easy one to ignore.
But a plateau nonetheless.

Because if you’re really honest with yourself — and I know you can be — you’ve outgrown the way you used to write.

You’ve outgrown adrenaline-fueled bursts.
You’ve outgrown late-night marathons.
You’ve outgrown the off-and-on, stop-start cycles.
You’ve outgrown being the only one holding everything together.

And deep down, you know it.

What used to get you through your first book?
Your second?
Your third?

That won’t carry you now.
Not at this level.
Not with the life you have.
Not with the responsibilities you’re managing.
Not with the goals you’re aiming for.

And that’s not failure.
That’s growth.

A writing habit that once fit your life…
…doesn’t fit your life anymore.

You’re in a different season now.
And you need a habit that matches it — not the version of you from three books ago.

3. Momentum Will Always Beat Inspiration

Too many writers rely on the rollercoaster high of motivation.

You hear a great speaker.
You attend a conference.
You join a challenge.
And for a week, maybe two, you’re on fire.

But two weeks later?

Life.
Kids.
Deadlines.
Fatigue.
Interruptions.
Distractions.
Holidays.
Your job.
Your business.

Suddenly you’re back at square one.

And that’s because motivation is short-lived.
Momentum is what carries you.

Momentum comes from habit.
Habit comes from structure.
Structure comes from intention — not inspiration.

That’s why so many writers stall between drafts.
It’s not the story.
It’s not the skill.
It’s not the creativity.

It’s the gaps.
The inconsistency.
The lack of a repeatable, flexible, reliable writing habit.

You don’t need long hours.
You don’t need daily writing.
You don’t need perfect silence.

What you need is a habit that protects your focus — even in tiny pockets of time — so you can finish your book faster without burning out.

4. Consistency Isn’t Discipline. It’s Design.

Yes, discipline helps.
But the real shift happens when you design your writing life in a way that actually fits your real life.

Because what most writers do is this:

They try to “force” their writing into their schedule.
They squeeze it in around everything else.
They wait for the perfect time.
They tell themselves, “When things calm down, I’ll get back on track.”

But things are not calming down.
Life is not slowing down.
Your time is not magically opening up.

And you already know that.

Consistency isn’t about willpower.
It’s about design.

It’s about creating a writing process that matches your actual life — not the imaginary one where you suddenly have endless time and energy.

When you have that kind of structure, guess what happens?

Self-doubt starts to fade.
Because your progress becomes inevitable.

Not “I hope I finish this book.”
Not “I think I can do it this year.”
Not “Maybe when I have more time.”

No.

“I will finish my book.”
“I am finishing my book.”
“I’m already moving.”

That’s the shift.

The Real Reason So Many Writers Don’t Move Forward (Even When They Want To)

Let’s talk about something that came up a LOT in the survey:

“I want support. I’m just deciding when to move.”

Listen…
You can only think about something for so long.

You’ve been thoughtful long enough.
You’ve observed long enough.
You’ve lingered in the “almost” stage long enough.
You’ve been inspired long enough.

You’ve thought about it long enough.

And I’m going to lovingly challenge you:
If you know you want support…
If you know you want structure…
If you know accountability would change everything for you…

Then you already know the answer.
You already know you’re ready.
You already know it’s time to move.

But here’s what gets in the way for most writers:

They don’t trust their own follow-through.

Not me.
Not the program.
Not the strategy.

Themselves.

They quietly ask:

“What if I invest and fall off?”
“What if I don’t show up for myself?”
“What if I can’t stick with it?”

And I want you to hear this with compassion: That fear has nothing to do with your ability. It comes from trying to carry everything alone.

When you write alone, you rely on willpower.
When you write with support, you rely on structure.

Those are two very different things.

One More Thing — The Story You Carry Matters

Whatever inspired your book — I may not know the details, but I know this:

You felt something.
Something strong enough to make you sit down and put words on a blank page.
Something meaningful enough to make you push through fatigue, interruptions, and responsibilities.

Your story is important.

And doubt doesn’t mean that story should wait.
If anything, doubt is a reminder that your voice needs to be heard.

Let’s Talk About the Real Opportunity Here (Exactly As You Said It)

I told you earlier I had a surprise. And if you're reading this between now and December 1st — or if you heard it on the livestream — here it is exactly as I shared it: I have about 10 spots open inside No Time Writer for Black Friday and Cyber Monday at a special rate.

If you want the details:

📧 Message “DETIALS” to notimewriter@gmail.com and I’ll send everything to you.

If the spots fill up early, they fill up.
So if you’ve been thinking about it…
If you’ve been deciding when to move…
If you’ve been hovering on the edge…

You’ve thought about it long enough.
You’ve thought about it long enough.
You’ve thought about it long enough.

It’s time.

You are ready.
The year is not over.
There is still time to finish strong and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

Trust yourself.
Take the step.
You’re done with the old habits that aren’t working for you anymore.
This is your moment.

So if you want one of the 10 Black Friday / Cyber Monday spots inside No Time Writer, 📧 message “DETAILS” to notimewriter@gmail.com right now for more info, the promo code, and your private order link.

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