Self-doubt is the shadow every writer faces at some point in their journey. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or second-guessing your finished work, that little voice whispering, “You’re not good enough” can feel impossible to silence. But here’s the truth: even the most successful authors have wrestled with self-doubt. The key isn’t to eliminate it entirely—it’s to manage it so you can keep writing anyway.

If you’re struggling to stay confident, here are some tips to help you push past self-doubt and keep your creativity alive.

1. Remember that doubt is normal

First, let’s get one thing straight: self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer. In fact, it’s a sign you care deeply about your work. Even legends like Maya Angelou and Neil Gaiman have admitted to feeling like frauds at times.

Acknowledge your self-doubt, but don’t let it control you. Instead, remind yourself that it’s part of the process. Every writer feels this way—it’s just proof that you’re pushing yourself to grow.

2. Focus on progress, not perfection

Self-doubt often creeps in when we aim for perfection. But perfect doesn’t exist, and chasing it will only paralyze you. Instead, shift your focus to progress. Did you write a paragraph today? A page? That’s a step forward, and every step counts.

Daily Prompt can help you reach your daily word count by providing daily creative writing prompts to inspire the day's writing. Get started for free. 

Give yourself permission to write messy first drafts. They’re supposed to be imperfect! The act of writing is what matters, not getting it “right” on the first try. You can always refine your work later.

3. Revisit your “why”

Why did you start writing in the first place? Was it to tell a story that’s been burning inside you? To explore your creativity? To connect with others through your words?

When self-doubt strikes, take a moment to reconnect with your purpose. Write down your “why” and keep it somewhere visible—on your desk, your phone, or in your notebook. It’s easier to quiet doubt when you’re grounded in your passion.

4. Seek feedback from the right people

One reason writers doubt themselves is because they’re unsure how their work will be received. Constructive feedback can help you see your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement, but it’s crucial to get feedback from people who understand and support your goals.

Share your work with trusted friends, fellow writers, or a writing group. Avoid overly critical voices or those who don’t “get” your genre. The right feedback can build your confidence and help you grow.

At Daily Prompt, we’re proud to foster a supportive community where writers can connect, share their work, and offer each other valuable feedback and encouragement. Plus, we recently introduced our AI feedback tool which can give you helpful feedback on your writing and how to improve it. 

5. Celebrate small wins

Finished a chapter? Wrote for three days straight? Hit your word count goal? Celebrate it! Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, reminds you of how far you’ve come.

Keep a list of your writing wins—big and small—and revisit it whenever doubt creeps in. Seeing tangible proof of your progress can be a powerful antidote to negative thoughts.

Many of our writers credit their writing streaks with giving them a tangible sense of daily progress, which provides that extra spark of motivation to keep going.

6. Embrace a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that skills can be developed with time and effort. Instead of thinking, “I’ll never be good enough,” try reframing it as, “I’m not there yet, but I’m getting better.”

Writing is a skill, and like any skill, it improves the more you practice. Every draft, every critique, and every revision makes you stronger. This is the cornerstone of our philosophy at Daily Prompt: to show up consistently and make daily progress as a writer.  

Self-doubt loses its power when you view setbacks as opportunities to learn.

7. Limit comparisons

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your work to others—whether it’s a bestselling author or a fellow writer in your circle. But here’s the thing: you’re only seeing their finished product, not the countless drafts, struggles, and missteps it took to get there.

Ira Glass, the creator of This American Life, has a brilliant perspective on this. He talks about “the gap” between your taste and your skill. As writers, we often have great taste—we know what good writing looks and feels like—but our current skills don’t always match that vision. This gap can be frustrating, but it’s also completely normal.

Instead of letting this discourage you, see it as a sign of your potential. The fact that you can recognize where your work falls short means you have the insight to improve. The only way to close “the gap” is to keep writing, learning, and practicing. Make daily progress towards your writing goals! 

8. Take breaks when you need them

Sometimes, self-doubt is a sign you’re burning out. If writing feels like a battle every day, it’s okay to step back and recharge. 

Use this time to read, explore new experiences, or engage in creative activities that inspire you. Distance can help you return to your work with fresh eyes and renewed confidence.

Self-doubt is part of the writing journey, but it doesn’t have to define it. By focusing on progress, surrounding yourself with supportive voices, and remembering why you started writing in the first place, you can build resilience and confidence.

The most important thing is to keep going. The world needs your stories, your voice, and your perspective—doubt and all.