A writer can be his own worst enemy. We talk down our accomplishments, fret over our weaknesses, and convince ourselves no one would ever read our work.

Sometimes, this can have a deleterious effect on our creativity and capacity to grow as artists. We may avoid writing stories that challenge us to strengthen our weak points. If no one will read our work, what’s the point in finishing them or even starting?

The good news is that we can be our own best friend as well.

Today, if you catch yourself talking down your creativity, stop and put yourself into reverse. Put your accomplishments in your emotional spotlight, accept the challenge to work on your weaknesses, and accept that there’s a reader for every story. Try that and track the effect on your creative mood.