Episode Description: Being an author means navigating an endless maze of decisions — creative decisions, business decisions, financial decisions, social decisions — and at some point, all of us hit a wall where everything feels murky. The next step isn’t clear. The “right” answer seems to flicker between yes and no. And the longer we sit in that limbo, the more everything stalls. In this episode, Claire explores the anatomy of doubt: why we freeze, why uncertainty feels so emotionally loaded, and why some types (hello, Loyalists) live close to doubt every day while others completely unravel the moment they encounter it. If you’re stuck in doubt about your writing, career, or next steps — this episode gives you tools to reclaim clarity and reconnect with your inner authority. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why doubt is a human condition, not a character flaw The difference between not having enough information and being afraid to act How impatience, overthinking, or rushing toward certainty can backfire What “polarity” conflicts are and why they make some decisions feel impossible How losing trust in your inner authority derails decision-making Why burnout makes even simple choices feel overwhelming How to check in with your head, heart, and body to get clear on your next step Key questions that help you break out of the doubt spiral and move forward Key Takeaway: Doubt isn’t always a stop sign — sometimes it’s a signal to slow down, sometimes a nudge to reevaluate your values, and sometimes a warning that your nervous system is overwhelmed. But no matter the cause, you can learn to disentangle the noise, reconnect with your inner authority, and make decisions that honor who you are now. Support the Show: If today’s episode helped you breathe a little easier in the face of uncertainty, share it with another writer who might need it too. You can explore Claire’s courses, coaching, and books at liberatedwriter.com, including her newest release, Write Iconic Characters, available now through major retailers. Access the transcript here. Happy writing!