Duking it Out with Bertha

Inspiration, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources 31 comments

No…there is not a cat-fight going on down here in Texas. Ever since John Cusick’s keynote speech at NJ SCBWI Conference, I’ve had a bone to pick with the doubter in my head. Her name is Bertha, thanks to John: “Name that voice in your head that puts you down. Give your anxiety a name.” And Bertha was born.

She has been there for as long as I can remember and sometimes she is down-right ugly. It’s really hard to tune her out and I know I’m not the only writer…the only person that goes through this. Are you aware when your hater starts to hate? Giving Bertha a name was just a great first step. Like saying, “I see you and I’m calling you out!” But, there is more that you can do to curb that voice.

I’ll attribute #1 to John, again.

1) “Keep an email folder called- ‘Nice Things People Say About Me.’”

Thanks, John. Don’t mind if I do.

2) Every time your Bertha tells you something you can’t or shouldn’t do, add that exact item to your “CAN” list. Then, post it somewhere noticeable.

ICAN3) Plaster your favorite inspirational quotes in your work space.

Here are a few from my office:

“If practice makes perfect and perfection creates art, always practice what you love to do, be the artist.” – Unknown

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill

“God promises a safe landing…not a calm passage. If he brings you to it, he will bring you through it!” – Unknown

“We create our tomorrows by what we dream today.” – Unknown

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Unknown

When I look over the quotes above, most are written by unknown sources. Aren’t we all a bit unknown? Even if we have something out there already, there is more to be discovered. So many possibilities! As you shush your inner doubter, I’ll leave you with my motto:

4) Create your own motto.

“Small steps, taken consistently, add upThis writing business requires a lot of patience. Small steps work really well in our world. Sometimes we wish we could make it happen faster, as discussed in last month’s post: Writing in Gulps and Sips. But, if we do a little bit at a time, it really will add up to be something great.

So tell me…what’s your motto? I encourage you to share yours or a quote that helps you tame your inner doubter. And if you are willing, please share your doubter’s name.

31 comments

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  3. I haven’t named my doubter yet but I think today I need to! I’ll name her…hmmm. Patricia. Or Kimberly. Or Cheryl. No offense to anyone with those names!

    Favorite quote: “We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.” -Marianne Williamson

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  4. “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!” – Goethe

    After doing Morning Pages (from “The Artist’s Way” for many years, I finally started having conversations with the critical voice. Turns out it’s most often my kid-self looking for some reassurance that if she messes up I’m not going to leave. Now the journaling conversation goes both ways and she tells me I’m doing a good job as a grown-up.

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  5. My doubters name is Erik 🙂 I try to drown him in beer and cider (preferably Strongbow!) Actually, I don’t have a name for the doubter, and I won’t call it Erik. How about Bob. Yeah, I’m going to go with Bob- he just stinks. Down with Bob!

    I don’t have a folder like that for writing, but I keep one for teaching for each year. Any e-mails that are keepers, I print out. I started this in 2002, I think, and have one for each year (along with the class pic and class list). I’m definitely going to start one for writing!!!!

    Quotes: “Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write, and draw, and build, and play, and dance, and live as only you can.” I think it was Neil Gaiman- I had it added to a journal cover I bought back in January.

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  7. A wounded deer leaps the highest.
    – Emily Dickinson

    Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin,
    but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”
    ~ Harper Lee

    Creativity is an act of defiance.
    – Twyla Tharp

    Today one of my crit group buddies said something down on herself. We all gave her encouragement, but I also suggested she read your post today.

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