This roadblock is bigger than lack of time

Today I want to address what I believe to be the biggest roadblock on your book writing journey. It’s a roadblock that even the most accomplished women authors encounter.

This roadblock is even bigger than lack of time. Why?

Because it has far more power to stop women in their tracks. In the years that I’ve been working with women authors, it’s the one thing that sometimes even I can’t help them overcome. And it frustrates me.

And now the big reveal…It’s the lack of self-confidence.

I believe that lack of self-confidence is the underlying reason for the ‘lack of time’ roadblock I hear about so often. Saying you don’t have time is an easy out.

I know that sounds harsh, but I needed to be called out on this one, too. For six years, I was a caregiver for my mom, who was battling dementia. My challenge was that her house was a three-hour drive from mine. I went often, sometimes weekly, sometimes unexpectedly, if she fell or got sick.

That experience was a gift and a blessing. I learned so much about myself and how to run my business from the road. Literally. I took calls while driving and listened to podcasts and audio books. I figured out how to make the most of that six hour round trip.

I worked while she napped, and after she went to bed. I worked early in the morning before she got up. Best of all, I got to spend some truly special time with her before she passed in October 2021.

The bottom line for me was that six years was too long to wait to take on new clients and grow my business. No excuses. I had to figure it out. It's the same with your book. The busiest women I know make it work. They make time for their books because it is simply that important to them.

Like all the roadblocks on this journey, the lack of self-confidence is another one you just have to power through. Hit it head on at high speed, smash through it, and just keep going.

“I have written eleven books. But each time I think ‘uh-oh. They’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” - Maya Angelou

Can you imagine that? After writing eleven books, still feeling that way? Yup. And I can corroborate Maya’s perspective. That nagging self-doubt never quite goes away.

Uncovering your stories, experiences, and wisdom can have one of two emotional effects on you:

It makes you beyond jazzed to see all the awesome content you have to work with,

OR

It flattens you like the squirrel that thought it could beat the 18-wheeler.

I just finished writing a manuscript for a woman whom most would consider highly successful in business and in life. She grew her startup business to over $30M in annual revenue, has a wonderful marriage, three adult children who are healthy and successful in their own careers, and a long list of other accomplishments.

As we neared the end of the project, the reality of impending publication had clearly set in. She began coming up with ways to stall it, wanting to do more editing, rewrite the introduction yet again, and so on.

This woman impeccably navigated the many significant challenges her business, her team, and life threw her way. But this book had her shaking in her high-heeled designer boots.

I share all of this to let you know you are not alone. The knot in your stomach is a normal part of the book writing journey. Just don’t let it become a journey-ending roadblock.

Don't let a lifetime of wisdom wait a lifetime to be shared.