We all reach points where we just want to quit writing. Not because we don’t enjoy it or because we don’t want to do it anymore, but because, after doing the same thing over and over and trying to “make things happen,” it all starts to seem pointless.

The good news is, it’s not pointless. The bad news is, coming to terms with this also means we have to be a little more patient and a little more confident – not easy things to do. So here’s a list of things to keep in mind when this whole writing thing is starting to lose its appeal.

1. You have to start somewhere

You write because you enjoy it. Right? Not every writer starts off in a position where everything they have to say will reach the people who would be most interested in hearing it. But if you never write anything, because you’re sure it won’t reach anyone, you’ll NEVER reach anyone.

Establishing yourself as a writer is just about building your brand and getting your name out there. Everyone has to start out in that lonely place where they aren’t heard. You got this.

2. Your thoughts and opinions matter

Hey you, with the voice! Yes, you! You have important things on your mind and even more important things to say about them. Yes, you’re tired of not being heard, but that doesn’t mean your thoughts and opinions are any less valuable.

You should never feel like you’re not allowed to express how you feel through writing just because it doesn’t get some kind of viral response. Sometimes, we right more for ourselves and our own well-being than for other people, and there is absolutely no shame in that. Do what you feel you need to do. Say what you need to say. Seriously. It DOES matter.

3. Negative feedback is still feedback

One of a writer’s many fears is putting something out into the world only to have it torn apart and stepped on. And it does happen. There’s no way to please every single person in your intended audience, and unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who will not hesitate to launch negative criticisms your way.

Getting negative feedback from people you know and people you don’t can hurt. A lot. But at least you’re getting some feedback, right? It’s a little better than getting no feedback at all, as long as you don’t take the negativity too personally. Do your best to use it to learn and grow from, and definitely don’t let fear of being criticized stand in your way of writing something amazing.

4. You might be helping someone and don’t even know it

Something you write today might really resonate with someone, somewhere, tomorrow. You never know. And you may never hear about it. But that doesn’t mean the things you are writing are not effective or do not make people think or feel things.

Always write with the mindset that there is someone out there who needs to hear this, and the pointlessness of it all will begin to fade away.

5. It will get better, eventually

It takes time to find where you truly excel as a writer. Everyone has their niche and their own unique methodology for sending powerful messages to people who will respond to and learn from them. You’ll find it. And you’ll fit right in.

Just keep doing what you’re doing, and never convince yourself you’re too experienced to learn new things. Successful writers, the ones who make a real difference in the world, never stop growing. They are okay with being good, but not necessarily the best. There is always room to improve.

KEEP GOING. Write that thing. GO! GO! GO!

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