My Biggest Critic

The photo to the left shows my biggest critic - not only when it comes to my writing, but when it comes to all aspects of my life. She is a slave-driver for the impossible perfection; she is the reason I push myself.

Yes, I am my biggest critic, but sometimes I need to stop this because I find it all too easy to highlight the negatives and forget all the hard-work I've put in.

When it comes to writing (or life in general), who is your biggest critic? Please tell me it's not just me who classes myself as my own worst nightmare! :p

12 comments

  1. I lack self esteem and confidence in general, so that reflects out on to pretty much everything that I do.

    When it gets to the point where I don't like what I'm doing, I just have to stop and take a step back. Unfortunately, sometimes that means that it takes months before I actually finish anything. :p

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  2. I am definitely my own worst critic.

    Yet also sometimes my own biggest fan.

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  3. I struggle to feel positive about alot of my work because I'm a bit of a jack of all trades lol. I can do various different bits and pieces but none I can do with excellent skill.

    Does that make sense?

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  4. I'm my own worst critic too. I think that's why I never get very far with a writing project - I just instantly think it's rubbish!

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  5. @ Astharis - I know the self esteem and confidence issues well - it sucks we're basically the ones holding ourselves back. :s We should stop that becaause it is stopping creative genius shining through (easier said that done, I know)!! :0)

    @ Peter - LOL. Sometimes, I get the biggest fan feeling, but mostly it's the critic in me that (sadly) wins out.

    @ GRA - That makes sense! I think it's better to have many skills than be stuck with one - at least you'll never pigeon-hole yourself! :0)

    @ Paula - You have to stop doing that and you haveto do your writer's course this year, okay?! :0) It's natural to dismiss your work as rubbish because you're too close to it, but eventually you can (sort of) overcome it! :0)

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  6. Awe it'll come together. I think being your own toughest critic has at least made you stronger. I haven't ever really taken my writing seriously so I would have to say I am my own toughest critic ultimately as well.

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  7. I know exactly how you feel.

    I'm beginning to feel like deleting my novel, and I feel sure that I'm getting nowhere with the damn thing.

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  8. I am my very worst critic, whether it be about writing or pushing myself to be a better musician. I also tell myself I could have played that better or done better - no matter what complements I get from people about my solos.

    I hate it but sometimes it helps me to keep moving forward and strive to be better, greater, and maybe reach my full potential. I always know there is always rooms for improvement no matter how great people think I am.

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  9. @ FS - I definitely think it's better to be your own toughest critic!

    @ Debs - I'm sure we both *are* getting somewhere! If we stick at it, we're going to get there! :0)

    @ Pam - I agree fully with what you've said - everyone should always strive to be the best they possibly can be (even if people think they're great already)!

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  10. What a great picture, Elle! :) I hope you will consider using it for the jacket of your book when it gets published. And it WILL happen, you know!

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  11. Thanks, Raima! I must confess though, it was taken whilst I was tipsy! On the full photo, you can see I'm actually hugging the sign of one of my favourite bars in St Andrews!

    But I will consider using it IF I manage to get published! :0)

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  12. Well, now that you point that out, it DOES look a little like you're trying to hold up the wall. I never look that put together when I'm...er...well, you know. :)

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