Changing your thinking about yourself will help you experience a more fulfilled life. We can wallow in self-pity or get up to accomplish what we were meant to do. Negative thinking gets in the way of accomplishing our dreams. Doubting our own abilities and skills hinder the pursuit of dreams. Changing from negative self-talk to positive self-talk is the way to new dreams. Let your dreams rise to the surface. 
Recently I began a huge project which involves a deep learning curve. I never thought I had it in me to write anything that is publishable. Writing journals became the stepping stone for the beginning of a major project for me.
I began writing a novel!
Undoubtedly, I did not begin such a laborious endeavour just for the fun of it. A dream had developed in my heart that had to be birthed. The process has been arduous and painful. However, the time has come to share it. How can people hear unless a preacher speaks it? A message must be communicated.
This blog exists for the purpose of sharing.
Self-Doubt
I’m ditching self-doubt. I confess I’ve been fearful that I may not get it done or that nobody would read it. I don’t want to look foolish. Actually it’s pride and not humbleness.
“Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” (Norman Vincent Peale)
This is not only positive thinking when we know that we have God living on the inside. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We need to trust ourselves that we have the power within us. Knowing our weaknesses and strengths is reasonable. Is it better to focus on improving our weaknesses or building on our strengths? Both.
If I’m going to write a novel, I need to improve my skills in the area of writing. That is why I subscribe to many writers’ blogs. Not only do I get knowledge on writing, but I also get encouragement and inspiration. What happens when you get stuck and can’t write anymore? The technical part of writing a novel is not easy, but it’s possible to learn. It is hard work.
Afraid To Make Mistakes
The weakness of being a perfectionist hinders our growth. If we try to be perfect and fear making mistakes, we won’t even begin. How can we accomplish anything if we are afraid of failure? Mistakes cause us to grow.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” (Albert Einstein)
To improve as a writer, we must subject ourselves to criticism and allow feedback to help us grow. Constructive criticism develops us to change our thinking. We must, however, be open to it.
We all make mistakes in so many areas of life: marriage, parenting, finances, careers, relationships, etc. If we join a perfect church, it ceases to be perfect once we are part of it. That’s it. Imperfection will guide us to the truth about ourselves. It’s not all bad. Acknowledge and accept our weaknesses and improve what you can and leave the rest. Concentrate on your strengths to accomplish what you were meant to do and pursue your dream. You can have a dream at any stage of life. It’s never too late.
Do you have a dream? What hinders you from following your heart?
“Negative thinking gets in the way of accomplishing our dreams.” How true. We are a work in progress in that department since we live in a negative world. But I love your attitude. And what a wonderful site to launch you book. I wish you all the best Pirkko! 🙂
Thank you for reading my blog. I’m working on changing my self-talk in order to keep focussed on what matters. Declaring my dream by publishing it here makes it more realistic now.
We certainly can be our own worst enemy can’t we? I enjoyed the read. Keep it coming and get more disciplined (lol) so we can indeed read your novel. Your writing seems to flow well and inspire. My prayer for you is that your creativity will become as natural as breathing. Cast yourself upon the Lord, His yoke is easy. Sit at His feet (another discipline thing) and watch what He does, or should I say, continues to do through you. Anything less is a secondary plan. Run to win!
Yes the discipline is one of my many weaknesses so that’s what I need to work on. I like the idea that creativity can flow naturally as breathing. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Love this post, Pirkko. I am so looking forward to seeing how your novel takes shape as you learn and grow as a writer. (Looking forward to seeing you at the conference as well.)
Thanks Steph, and I am looking forward to the conference. Writing this post increased my desire to keep on writing. Just have to get more disciplined.