As I was telling my husband about the 3-Day Novel Contest when he turned to me and said, “This weekend is going to take a lot of discipline for you.”

My next thoughts were telling: Oh crap! What have I got myself into?

Immediately, the negative self-talk began – but I caught myself mid thought. Why am I telling myself that this challenge is going to be too hard and that I don’t think I can do it? Why am I already scheming an exit strategy to get out of it?

What I really need to be doing is encouraging myself, saying good and uplifting messages to my inner artist. Being a creative individual is trying enough, why not be my own best supporter instead?

My husband and I brainstormed phrases of encouragement that I can use when writer’s block catches me in a downward cycle of negativity. I love these phrases and wish they were all 100% true of myself – but sometimes we need to speak our hopes into being, like a self-fulfilling prophesy or a pep talk to a sports team. There is power in positive-self talk. If you don’t believe me, try these phrases out for a week and see if your circumstances or at least your mental state does not receive a pick-me-up.

Positive Affirmations for Writers:

• “I am a brilliant creative mind and I will accomplish whatever I set out to do.”
• “I don’t need to feel lonely; my family and friends support me in my pursuits and will be there for me when I need them.”
• “Only those who try have the chance of success.”
• “My ideas are creative.”
• “My characters are dynamic.”
• “My plot has depth.”
• “I am in control.”
• “I am the bully of my own writer’s block.”
• “I have the power to write writer’s block out of my story and my head.”
• “This time to write is a gift I give myself.”
• “I will not sabotage or be afraid of my own success.”
• “I believe in myself and my work.”
• “I will get through this tough stretch. This too shall pass.”
• “What I write will make a difference.”
• “My audience is out there. I am writing for them.”
• “Anything is possible for me.”

Specific encouragements for the 3-Day Novel Contest:

• “I think of myself as an Olympic athlete. This contest is my race. It’s only three days. The end is in sight.”
• “This is going to be fun.”
• “If the challenge was easy it wouldn’t be worthwhile.”
• “No matter the outcome, I will be proud of myself.”
• “The journey of this experience will be a catalyst for even greater creativity.”
• “I can sleep tomorrow.”

Repeating these positive phrases to yourself will shift you from negativity to a more positive outlook. Who doesn’t want that transition when stuck in a rut? I will be practicing speaking these sayings to myself as I embark on the 3-Day challenge and also as I continue my work as a writer. Try it for yourself and let me know if it makes a difference for you.