Scared to Hit "Publish"? You're Not Alone

An introvert and non-native speaker shares how to find the courage to share your writing on Substack

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Are you an introvert with a dream to write?

Then, let me tell you my story.

Once upon a time, there was an introvert. The introvert's name was Magdalena. Well, that's me...

A card-carrying member of the Introvert Club, where small talk is considered a blood sport and social gatherings rank somewhere between root canal and tax audits on the enjoyment scale.

So, the idea of putting my thoughts out there for the whole world to see felt about as appealing as being naked in a snowstorm.

But there was another, even more formidable, obstacle in my path: English is not my first language. My inner critic, a particularly nasty little gremlin with a penchant for grammar policing, had a field day. "Who are you to write in English?" it hissed. "Your grammar is atrocious! Your vocabulary is limited! Go back to writing grocery lists!"

So, there I was, an introvert with a shaky grasp of the English language, contemplating the daunting task of writing on Substack. It felt like my brain was about to explode in a shower of misplaced commas and mispronounced vowels.

But then something unexpected happened.

Courage: Not the Absence of Fear, But the Triumph Over It

I stumbled upon a quote by Nelson Mandela: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." It was like a lightning bolt straight to my soul. Suddenly, it clicked. Courage wasn't about being fearless; it was about doing something despite the fear.

Science backs this up. Researchers have found that courage isn't about eliminating fear but rather about how our brains process and manage it. The amygdala, our brain's fear center, goes haywire when we face a threat (like, say, writing a blog post). But the prefrontal cortex, the more rational part of our brain, can step in and regulate those fear responses, allowing us to act despite the anxiety.

So, armed with this newfound understanding, I decided to face my fear head-on. I wasn't going to let my introversion or my "foreigner" status hold me back. I was going to write, darn it!

The Power of Vulnerability (and Spellcheck)

But how does one actually muster the courage to start? Here's the secret: embrace the vulnerability. Brené Brown, a researcher who has spent years studying courage and vulnerability, says that vulnerability is the birthplace of courage, creativity, and connection.

It's about showing up authentically, imperfections and all. It's about admitting that you don't have all the answers, that you might make mistakes, and that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay—it's essential.

For me, this meant accepting that my English wasn't perfect. It meant giving myself permission to stumble over words, to misuse idioms, and to occasionally write sentences that resembled a linguistic train wreck. It meant embracing my inner "foreigner" and letting my unique voice shine through.

Of course, I wasn't going to throw caution (and grammar rules) completely to the wind. Spellcheck became my best friend, Grammarly my trusty sidekick. I even started a "Funny English Mistakes" file, where I documented my linguistic mishaps for future amusement (and learning).

Finding Your Tribe (and Why It Matters)

Another crucial ingredient in my courage cocktail was finding my tribe. Substack, with its focus on niche communities, is a goldmine for connecting with like-minded individuals. I sought out fellow writers, introverts, and "foreigners" who were also bravely putting themselves out there.

Their support, encouragement, and shared experiences were invaluable. We celebrated each other's successes, commiserated over our struggles, and offered constructive feedback. Suddenly, I didn't feel so alone in my writing journey.

Research shows that social support plays a significant role in building courage. Knowing that you have people in your corner cheering you on, can make a world of difference. It's like having a team of tiny cheerleaders in your brain, shouting, "You got this!" every time your inner critic tries to sabotage your efforts.

Starting Small (and Celebrating Every Win)

Now, I'm not going to lie, those first few Substack posts were terrifying. My finger hovered over the "publish" button for an eternity, my heart pounding like a drum solo. But I did it. I hit publish. And you know what? The world didn't end.

In fact, something amazing happened. People connected with my writing. They shared their own stories, offered words of encouragement, and even subscribed to my newsletter. It was exhilarating!

The key, I discovered, is to start small. Don't try to write the next War and Peace right out of the gate. Start with a short post, a personal anecdote, or a simple observation. The important thing is to get your voice out there, to take that first step.

And celebrate every win, no matter how small. Each published post, every new subscriber, every positive comment – these are all victories worth acknowledging. It's like giving your brain a little dopamine treat, reinforcing the positive association with writing and encouraging you to keep going.

The Courage to Create (and Why It Matters)

So, why bother with all this courage-building in the first place? Why put yourself out there, especially when it feels scary and uncomfortable?

Because creating, whether it's writing, painting, or composing a symphony, is an act of courage. It's about sharing a part of yourself with the world, about making something meaningful, about leaving your mark.

And in a world that often tries to silence our voices, to tell us to stay small and play safe, having the courage to create is an act of rebellion. It's a way of saying, "I am here. I have something to say. And I'm not afraid to share it."

So, to all the introverts, the non-native speakers, the self-proclaimed "uncourageous" out there: You have a story to tell. You have a voice that deserves to be heard. And you have the courage within you to share it.

Start small. Embrace the vulnerability. Find your tribe. And most importantly, don't be afraid to hit "publish." Share your story. Put a link to your Substack in the comments.