WritingThoughts

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What holds freelance writers (and especially new writers) back?

It’s a fact that many new writers do not live up to their potential as a writer. Even experienced writers sometimes fail to meet their true potential. (Of course, few writers want to admit this fact, let alone discuss it.)

Writers not living up to their potential is a serious problem. It’s a problem that can derail a freelancing career. Fortunately, it’s also a problem with a solution.

I’m convinced that the answer to this problem is accountability.

You see, when you start out as a writer it’s just too easy to:

• Quit.
• Settle for less than you can accomplish.
• Tell yourself you don’t feel like writing today.
• Convince yourself that your writing isn’t good enough.

I’m very familiar with all of the excuses that we writers make for ourselves. Sadly, as freelancers, there is often no one there to encourage us or challenge us when we need it. For many writers, when there’s no accountability they accomplish much less as a writer than they are capable of doing.

If you can relate to these problems, then you know what I am talking about.

A Solution to No Accountability

So, what’s a freelance writer to do if he or she suspects that they have fallen prey to their own excuses? How can a writer overcome the problem of not having to answer to anyone? How can they live up to their true potential as a writer?

One easy answer to these problems is to choose to become accountable to someone else. Select someone (or a group of someones) to be accountable to. A writing coach, mentor, or peer group, makes an ideal accountability partner. (Believe me, having a second set of eyes review your work really helps!)

While accountability may seem contrary to the “freedom” that we freelance writers enjoy, it really isn’t if you choose your accountability partner carefully. Look for someone with writing experience as well as someone who has a personal style that is compatible with your own.

While there are many great writing coaches available on the Internet, I feel that my own coaching program offers a strong advantage to writing and business professionals.

However, even if you don’t select my coaching program, I strongly believe in the value of finding a mentor or writing coach to be accountable to. I urge you to find the writing coach who is right for your needs.