So you call yourself a writer?

Here's the Real Reason you aren’t one yet

One month into using Substack, and I still couldn’t bring myself to call myself a writer.

That changed when someone in my chat called me out.

Her words?

“Stop negating your destiny!”

Those words hit me hard. They made me realize that if you’re thinking things like:

“I’ll write when I’m inspired”

If you are waiting for inspiration to strike, writing is just a hobby to you.

Rather, treat it as a discipline.

Inspiration comes and goes, but consistency anchors and builds.

“I need a perfect idea”

I get it.

We want to present our best. We don’t feel ready when things seemed half-baked.

You are falling into the over-prepare, never-ready trap.

Chasing perfection is like chasing your own tail. It’ll keep you from ever getting started.

Perfectionism is the ultimate paralyzer.

Get used to thinking of your drafts as raw diamonds.

The more you polish, the more they’ll sparkle.

“I’m not a writer until I get published”

That’s why we have Substack. You can hit that “publish” button anytime.

Sure, you might dream of publishing elsewhere, selling eBooks, or launching courses.

Great goals to have, but nothing beats the importance of the writing process itself.

The act of writing is what makes you a writer.

“I don’t have enough time to write”

We all dream of having epic writing sessions, don’t we?

Hours of deep, uninterrupted work where we craft our masterpieces.

I used to think that way until I took a hard look at my daily schedule.

Here’s what my day actually looks like:

• 11 hours for the day job and commuting

• 2 hours for meals and cleanup

• 8 hours for sleep

That leaves me with 3 hours—and that’s if I’m lucky.

Family time, house chores, and some downtime chew into those precious hours.

So, how do you tackle time constraints? Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Carve out time for deep work when possible, like on weekends.

• Write in short bursts of 10-15 mins a day. Multiple small sessions add up.

• Jot down quick drafts of any ideas that pop into your head.

Bring writing to the front end. Start small, stay consistent and watch your words multiply.

“I’ll only write about what I know”

A limiting belief is the worst mindset because you are:

• locked in a mental cage

• trapped in a cycle of inaction

• blinded by a false reality

• defeated before you even started

Do you want to hinder your growth with limiting belief?

Get past the limiting belief and transform your writing game, your

• creativity will increase

• confidence will hit the roof

• horizons will expand beyond your expectations

• growth will be exponential

Why Is Identity Shift So Tough?

The struggle for identity shift is painful.

It’s not about doing something; it’s about being someone.

This transition is challenging due to:

• Fear of failure

• Overthinking

• Overcomplicating

• Perfectionism

• Inferiority complex

Though painful, it is possible.

True writing happens when you think:

• “Here’s what happened to me…” (personal story)

• “I want to share this with you…” (curation)

• “There was this bang, and then I saw this person lying on the floor…” (storytelling)

Before you know it, hours have flown by.

That's when you know you’re truly in it.

I call this the identity shift.

The Power of Identity Shifts

James Clear talks about this in his book Atomic Habits. Here’s what I learned:

Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes

Instead of saying, “I’m trying to quit smoking,” say, “I don’t smoke.”

“Instead of saying, ‘I’m trying to be a writer,’ say, ‘I am a writer.’

This shift in identity changes everything.

It’s no longer about trying; it’s about being.

Build Habits Aligned with Your Identity

Start acting like the person you want to be.

Want to be a writer? Write every day.

Want to be a runner? Run regularly.

Reinforce Your Identity with Evidence

Collect proof that you are who you say you are.

Save your drafts, track your word count, and celebrate your writing milestones.

The more evidence you gather, the stronger your identity becomes.

Adopt a Process-Oriented Approach

Focus on the daily grind of writing, editing, and publishing.

A consistent flow provides great motivation, and is a faster route to your identity shift.

Identity-Based Motivation

Motivation comes from seeing yourself as someone who achieves their goals.

When you identify yourself as a writer, you will think and act like one.

You will improve, and proud to share your work.

4 Practical Steps to Solidify Your Identity as a Writer

So you are a writer now.

1. Start Writing Daily

• Dedicate a specific time each day to write.

• Set a daily word count goal, even if it’s small.

• Use prompts if you’re stuck on what to write about.

2. Share Your Work

• Publish your drafts, even if they’re not perfect.

• Seek feedback from peers or a writing community.

• Build a portfolio of your work, showcasing your growth.

3. Reflect on Your Progress

• Keep a journal of your writing journey.

• Review your old work to see how far you’ve come.

• Celebrate small wins and milestones.

4. Embrace the Learning Process

• Read books on writing and self-improvement.

• Take writing courses or workshops.

• Learn from both successes and failures.

Conclusion

Have You Made Your Identity Shift Yet?

Be bold. Repeat this in your morning affirmations:

• “I am a writer.”

• “I am a creator that provides value.”

• “I help others by sharing my knowledge with the world.”

Embrace the identity of being a writer.

Overcome procrastination, build confidence, and tackle imposter syndrome head-on with this mindset.

Do you call yourself a writer yet?

Comment if you do.