* This post was originally published in February 2018. 

Do you ever feel disappointed or frustrated with your writing? Maybe you feel like you should be further in your writing project.

In my work as a writing coach I talk to a lot of writers who express a similar frustration. Some of them go so far as to apologize to me for not having it figured out by now, as if I would be disappointed in them.

But here’s the thing: I know that they’re really disappointed in themselves. And when you feel that way—that sense of frustration, that sense of disappointment—it’s hard to do the one thing that will make you feel better, which is to sit down and write.

The good news is that you don't have to stay frustrated or stuck. Keep reading or watch my latest  video to find your way forward.

I want to invite you to shift your focus. So often we get stuck thinking about the things we haven’t done or haven’t accomplished. We forget to take stock of the things that we have done.

Here’s what I want you to do. Grab a pen and paper and respond to these prompts:

• First, acknowledge what you are doing to show up for your writing. What have you done? What have you accomplished?
• Based on that, reflect on what qualities and characteristics you possess that will help you meet your writing goals.

When you take the time to do this, staying grounded in your strengths and the things you are doing, I guarantee you are going to feel better about writing. It’s going to be easier to show up at the page, and you will write more.

Let me know on the Facebook page or in the comments below: what qualities and characteristics do you have that will help you meet your writing goals? I love to hear from you, and I'll always respond personally!

P.S. Ready for a writing breakthrough? Break free from writing rules that don't work and find your way with my FREE three-part series: Inside the Writers Mind. The first insight (and writing prompt) could be yours today.