Boosting Confidence (Please Comment!)

[Sivoncé™]

So, some of you know I have what I call a "project" that I work on outside of this site. Well, I like to call it project, but really, I'm in the drafting stages of what I hope will be my first published novel. One of the problems, the biggest I have, I think, is that I am my toughest critic. If it sounds cocky or arrogant to say I know I'm a good writer, well then I guess I'm cocky and arrogant; I write English essays with ease and people have told me I am a good writer all of my life. But like I said, I am my toughest critic. Other people tell me its good, but this "good" is what is "normal" for me, so I tend to equate what others would call "good" writing with "average". In other words, my confidence fluctuates and it's hard to keep it going, even though I'm only on my first draft and I actually do like much of what I've written when I look over it. I think this is a hard thing for everyone, though; I know everyone on here is a good writer, but I also know a lot of you don't give yourselves half the credit you deserve. I think, sometimes, it can go the other way too; hence the usefulness of peer editing and roleplay schools such as this. But what I'm looking for here is any tips you guys might have to build confidence when you write or to encourage yourselves?

Things that I have found that work:
-I found this article when I was a-googling, and it reached out to my inner diva. It talks about how hip-hop music, which is about self-promotion, can help you build your confidence as a writer.

www.litdrift.com/2010/05/24/from-one-young-writer-to-another-develop-your-swag-and-stay-on-your-hustle/

-I tend to think too much. When I feel down about my writing, I try and cheer myself up with a sort of cheerleader-esque thoughstream when what I really need to do is just tell my brain to just shut up and go ahead and write xP So, don't think too hard ^^

Anybody got any ideas? I would really appreciate anybody's help on this

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Motivational speech-thing?

PERFECTION 101

...and I'm sneaking on, that's all I've got time for, add more later -runs-

[featherswift]

~ Remember its only a paper, not a bomb about to go off. Use your time at your leisure for it is fun. You can always make it perfect after the so many mistakes.

[Sivoncé™]

Thank you both for your help =D

Wolfe: that video is awesome xD He's right, though; block really isn't the problem, it's perfection. Hehe. Builder's block

Feather: *removes bulletproof vest* thank you for clarifying that one xD You really have a good point, though -- I can always go back an edit, I need to remember it's only a rough draft