Being a writer is like playing a sport, 80% mental and 20% skill.
As a new writer, having expectations put a lot of stress on my mental health. I remember when I left my job years ago to pursue online entrepreneurship full-time. I experienced a nervous breakdown due to the stress of the job.
I had never felt that feeling before. That was the final straw that led me to leave.
After making that decision to leave, I felt like a high school kid graduating to the real world. Just as high school kids find out, you better be careful about what you wish for.
The journey of being a digital writer has taught me the importance of mental health.
You are going to see some dark times as a digital creator.
You will hear a lot of positive things about digital writing such as freedom, no limit on income, or being location-independent.
I am an advocate for all of these things but if you are hell-bent on only having these expectations, you will be extremely disappointed.
On this journey, you will encounter obstacles you were never prepared for and that is why most quit online entrepreneurship.
In the digital age, online entrepreneurship, specifically being a digital writer always has been marketed to people who are looking for freedom as this cool thing and trend you need to be a part of.
You are only shown the benefits and not the downsides.
But that is the point of marketing. It is the difference between consumer and creator and consumers don’t know any better. When choosing a path in life and in this case as a digital writer, everyone will tell you all the great things about it but do your due diligence and research the negatives on your own. Then decide to see if it is the right path for you.
Take the time to monitor your mental health on this journey. Here are 3 things that will test you.
#1. Get Used to a Lot Of Failures
The digital creator journey is an uphill battle of lessons earned from failing.
Prepare for battle:
- Every win and failure is a lesson
- The work is in doing the work, you only get better by failing
- Document all of your failures
#2. It Is Going to Be a Battle Against Your Insecurities
No matter how hard you try not to, you are always going to compare yourself with your peers.
Prepare for battle against yourself:
- Your perceived flaws can be ways to stand out
- Understand everyone is at a different part of the journey
- Highlight your strengths to stand out
#3. Your Entrepreneurial Success Should Not Be Attached to Your Self Worth
Your ego will trick you into thinking that you need to appear successful for social proof and clout.
Prepare for battle:
- Live a dope life outside of being a digital writer
- The journey is an experience, not a destination
- If you decide to quit, you still have gained valuable knowledge because entrepreneurship is a personal development tool
No job, career, or entrepreneurial endeavor is worth your mental health. Achieve this by lowering your expectations while learning and enjoying the digital creator journey.
Being a writer is just as much of a mental game as it is a business and skill game.