How does confidence impact writing and the motivation to write? What adds to our confidence when it comes to writing, and what diminishes it? How can a writer maintain, develop, or rebuild confidence in their writing skills?
To begin with a definition (because it's probably best to know what the thing is before we discus how to increase it!), Merriam-Webster (n.d.) described confidence as "a feeling of or consciousness of one's power" and "faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way." In other words, confidence is trusting that we are capable of accomplishing a goal we've chosen to pursue or a task we've been assigned. Confidence is feeling good about our ability to be who we want to be and do what we want to do.
Reciving a disappointing grade, or criticical feedback that doesn't seem helpful understandably brings us down, especially if our confidence when it comes to writing is already shaky. Also, if we feel we're alone in the writing process, or like we don't know enough about academic writing as a genre to be able to do it well, we definitely won't be enjoying the good feelings confidence brings.
But there is hope. (We definitely wouldn't publish this post if we didn't think so!) When it comes to academic writing and APA style, the Walden WritingCenter’s website offers a number of resources to help students learn more about the expectations involved. We also strongly encourage you to reach out to your professors to clarify what is required of you for any assignments that seem confusing or unclear, or to discuss any feedback they provide. Finally, forming meaningful relationships with your fellow students--for instance, creating spaces where you can vent to, commiserate with, and encourage each other--can help keep those feelings of loneliness at bay.
Reference
Merriam-Webster.
(n.d.). Confidence. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidence
Thank you for this. I was especially drawn to your words on where confidence comes from. You wrote, "Confidence is feeling good about our ability to be who we want to be and do what we want to do." This was actually an "oh wow" moment for me as I believe I have been more focused on my confidence in relation to others opinions of my work and putting a lot of merit in that space. What that statement did for me was allow me to take control and look inward as well as the iterative process of assessing our own abilities, growth, and outcomes.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Zoa Bonofiglio, Doctoral Candidate, Walden U.
Thank you so much for your response, Zoa! And thank you for sharing your personal "aha!" moment. I think it is something a lot of readers will relate with and it's so nice to know Grete's post was so helpful for you.
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