Be vulnerable to build trust: How to overcome writing procrastination
Hey, small business owner, I see you.
Hesitating to hit publish on that blog post.
Pushing all those emails you should be writing to next month’s to-do list.
Deleting that reel you created because, well, just because.
Why can’t you hit publish?
You’re procrastinating because writing seems like revealing a part of your soul.
In many ways, it is.
Most of us don’t realise how vulnerable writing can be. You’re not just throwing words together – you’re sharing your thoughts, your ideas, and often a piece of yourself. For many business owners, vulnerability is daunting – so scary it’s holding you back from sharing your message and hitting those big biz dreams.
Hidden Vulnerability in Writing
Think about it: Writing is self-expression. When you sit down to create content, you’re not just promoting your business.
You’re revealing your thoughts, values, and insights and putting it all out there for others to see and (gulp) potentially judge. You might not even be fully aware of it, but this vulnerability often bubbles up in subtle ways. It’s why that blog post keeps getting pushed to the “tomorrow” list, or why you find yourself reworking that email campaign over and over.
Studies show writing activates parts of the brain linked to emotional processing. So when you write, you’re stirring up and releasing emotions. This emotional release is why journaling can be therapeutic, it’s also why writing content feels so exposing.
Unconscious Barriers and Why They Keep You Stuck
If you’re finding yourself hesitating to put your words out there, what’s really going on? Here are a few ways vulnerability shows up for business owners, sometimes without you even realising it:
- Procrastination: You know you need to get content out there, but somehow, there’s always a “good reason” to wait. Maybe you’re “not inspired,” or maybe you “just need more time to polish it.” Next time you hesitate, dig deeper. Ask yourself what’s really going on. Am I afraid to put myself out there?
- Perfectionism: It’s never quite “good enough,” so you keep tweaking, adjusting, and second-guessing. But sometimes, your pursuit of perfection is just a shield – a way to avoid the vulnerability of sharing something imperfect with your audience.
- Imposter Syndrome: Ever feel like you’re not qualified to write about certain topics, or think others in your industry know more, so you can’t compete? That’s the vulnerability talking, making you doubt yourself.
If you’ve caught yourself in any of these behaviours, know this – you’re not avoiding writing, you’re avoiding vulnerability.
The good news? Publishing your writing despite your fear of opening up might be exactly what your audience is waiting for!
Lean into Vulnerability for Maximum Marketing Impact
Vulnerability, as uncomfortable as it feels, is an incredible tool for connection.
When you let yourself be the real 100% you, people connect with your honesty. Remember, your readers are human too! They mistake shampoo for body wash sometimes, put their undies on back to front and forget to call their mum on her birthday. They want to know you’re in the trenches of humanity with them, doing the dumb stuff while still creating a life you love.
Sharing your thoughts, even the imperfect ones, makes you relatable and trustworthy. In business, that connection is more than gold – it’s rhodium! (Rhodium is approx. 16x more valuable than gold and the rarest metal on earth 😯)
Let’s break it down:
- Authenticity Wins: Vulnerability makes your content authentic and your audience sniffs out fake from real within seconds. They don’t want a slick sales pitch – they want genuine insights from someone they trust. Vulnerable content helps them feel comfortable spending with you and your brand.
- Relatable Content: We’ve all had struggles, doubts, and “is-this-good-enough” moments. When you share yours, people see themselves in your story, making your content relatable and more engaging.
- Emotional Connection: Sharing your experiences helps readers feel something – empathy, excitement, understanding. Those emotional connections turn casual readers into loyal brand fans.
How to Work Through Vulnerability and Start Creating
So, how do you make peace with this vulnerable side of writing? Here are some tips to help you start publishing content with confidence:
- Start Small: Instead of throwing yourself into a big, personal blog post, start with smaller pieces. A short social post or a quick tip in an email lets you ease into sharing without feeling too exposed. Instagram and Facebook stories are brilliant for this because they’re gone within 24 hours, reducing the cringe factor of looking back on them.
- Focus on Value: Shift your mindset to focus on the value you’re offering rather than your fears of “getting it wrong.” When you’re focused on helping your audience, it’s easier to let go of your inner critic. Remember – you’re in this biz to help people, right?
- Embrace Imperfection: Your audience doesn’t need “perfect”; they need real. Permit yourself to write without over-polishing. Authenticity beats perfection every time. (A quick proofread is still a good idea to catch any weird typos like accidentally saying sex weeks instead of six weeks 😉)
- Get Feedback: A second pair of eyes can give you a confidence boost and help you see your content from another perspective. Share a draft with a trusted biz buddy or friend for some reassurance before hitting “post.”
Writing for your business doesn’t have to bring on vomit-in-the-mouth vibes. By embracing the vulnerability of self-expression, you open up to finding your voice. And voices are like fingerprints – they’re all different, so give yourself some space and the curiosity (instead of judgement and criticism) to find yours.
You deserve to be heard. Share your thoughts in your voice to build stronger connections and show your audience why your business is the one they need!
Next time you hesitate, take a deep breath and repeat after me: A little vulnerability makes my message stand out.