Monday, November 3, 2008

You are a Great Writer ~ But do you believe it?.. Here's how you can!

When was the last time you told yourself "I am a great writer" and believed it?

If you're like most, probably never. But, sadly, the same writers are all too quick to utter or think something negative at the first sign of writer's block or even before they begin a new project.

It's no wonder many writers are stopped dead in their creative tracks when trying something new.

That's why it's vital for you to not only think positive but to act positive in every area of your life. Since much of our job as a writer is thinking, it's important to have positive input to ensure positive output.

That's why I produced 'Writers on Writing', a compilation of literary quotations from the masters of our craft as well as150 positive affirmations I have written specifically for today's writers.

As I said, it's not enough to think positive, you have to act positive. And the ideal way to start this is by "programming" your mind.

Here's how you can get started:

1. Create your own positive affirmations.

It's best to begin with short, positive statements in the present tense, such as "I love writing".

2. Recite daily.

Recite one or more affirmations each and every day. I find the best results come from saying affirmations around a dozen times. And don't just say the words, MEAN what you say. Recite them aloud ~ with conviction in your voice.

3. Visualize your affirmations.

As the saying goes, seeing is believing. You can add a great deal of impact to your words, if you combine them with a strong positive image.

Imagine in your mind's eye, writing better than ever before. Feel the words flow easily. Picture how wonderful it is to produce a great work. See yourself accepting a writer's award or being interviewed on TV about your new book. Revel in the feeling of achievement.

4. Practice, practice, practice.

For best results, I suggest saying the affirmation and performing the visualization each morning when you awake, so that you set yourself up for a good day of writing. And also perform this ritual every night as you are about to go to sleep, so that you program your subconscious mind for action the next day.

This is not a magic wand approach to writing, but it will help you if you stick with it. I have been using meditation and visualization techniques, like this, in my work for the best part of 20 years.

By reciting one or more each day, by believing what you are saying, by visualizing the results ~ you are building a belief within you. And by building a belief, you are moving one step closer to manifesting the desire.

Affirmations work best when you use your imagination.

  • See yourself writing easier and better than ever before . . .
  • Feel the sense of accomplishment at completing an important work or gaining acceptance from a publisher . . .
  • Enjoy the acclaim that comes with success . . .
  • Know that you have already achieved the desired outcome . . .

Do this and you will be one step closer to realizing that you are a great writer.

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