Everyone encounters fear at one point in their life, or another. But when it comes to writing, fear can hold you back from making a difference in someone’s life.

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Writing gives us a chance to face our problems head on. That proverbial blank page, idea or desire to write, but not wanting to step into the unknown can be debilitating. There’s nothing wrong with fear. It’s neither good or bad. One thing for sure, we can harness it and succeed.

When I began to write my first book, I was afraid to publish it. I didn’t think it was good enough. I thought it was horrible and no one would like it. However, when I began to receive emails and reviews of the book, those fears were alleviated.

Fear can hold you back, but I want to give you 5 reasons you should harness that fear of writing and climb that mountain.

1. Don’t make writing harder than it is. I’ve talked to several people, even in my writer’s group, who find writing difficult. People will work for years on a book, but never pull the trigger to get it published. If you come to write in a fear state of mind, you’ll always find being a writer hard.

However we need to learn to be still and listen. Learn to approach your writing from a zen-like mindset. It’s easy to allow noise to keep you from writing, but a still mind will give you more than enough to fodder to use. In other words, take time to find some quiet in your life to give your words power and an avenue to flow onto the page.

2. Don’t be afraid to be authentic. A lack of authenticity keeps writers from connecting with their audience. Think about the blogs you enjoy. Sure, you like the content, but it’s usually the writer you’re connecting emotionally with.

Use stories to convey your message. This is why I use personal stories on most blog posts–like this one. I want to bring my content down to an emotional level and I want to my readers to connect with me personally. Give it a try. You’ll find that readers will come back for more.

3. Don’t allow failure to handicap your writing. Remember trying to ride a bike that first time? I do. I had a blue BMX bike, my dad took off the training wheels and I didn’t fare so well. My knees and elbows ended up scraped.

Writing is similar. Like the bike–even though I failed–I got back up and kept riding. When we acknowledge that failure is a part of life, we’ll become better at what we do. Failure is a part of life. We all fail from time to time. But great writers will acknowledge their short-comings and keep their vision at the forefront of their mind.

4. Don’t let fear keep you from making a difference. Earlier this year I conducted my annual reader survey. This survey helps me write focused posts for you to enjoy. One reader wrote, “keep creating anything, really.” I loved that. It told me what I write is helping them to succeed in their life.

I had one father tell me, after reading Divine Providence, I helped him connect on a deeper level with his children. Writing makes a difference, we just have to look for those moments when someone’s life is impacted. You can make a difference, you just have to keep writing.

5. Don’t be in the same place next year. I recently read this by an Unknown Author, “Don’t fear failure. Fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today.” If you never write, you’ll never be heard. If you never write your book, you can’t change the world.

I firmly believe that God has given you a voice. You wouldn’t have made it this far into the post if otherwise. That voice is demanding to be heard. But if you never put words to page, you’ll be at this same place next year.

If you want to take things to the next level, begin writing. Start that blog, or write that book you’ve wanted to write. It’s time for your voice to be heard and it’s easier than ever before to write your story.

Don’t let fear hold you back from accomplishing great things. If you find yourself stuck, ask; “What fear am I facing that is limiting my forward motion, and why is it keeping me from succeeding?” Answer that, and you’ll begin to harness your fear to write stronger stories that will change someone’s life.

[reminder]What fear is holding you back from writing your story?[/reminder]

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