9 things Adlerian psychology teaches us about being a better writer

I first discovered Alfred Adler’s ideas through the book The Courage to Be Disliked.

At the time, I was seeking insights to help me overcome self-doubt, perfectionism, and the internal barriers that were limiting both my personal joy and my writing.

Adler’s ideas, which focus on personal responsibility, social interest, and embracing individuality, immediately resonated with me.

I love Adler’s approach, suggesting that we are the architects of our own lives. We don’t need to be defined by what happened in the past. This is incredibly freeing and overlooked by writers. Because when we aren’t tied to a ‘personality’ that limits us, we write words that people fall in love with.

Here are nine Adlerian principles that can make you a better, more confident writer:

1. Embrace social interest.

Adlerian psychology emphasises the importance of ‘social interest,’ which is the idea of contributing positively to others and society as your main focus.

As a writer, this means directing your attention to writing that benefits others.

Create content that aligns with your readers’ needs, fears and desires.

This helps me take the pressure off myself and live with a greater sense of meaning, which in turn continuously improves my writing.

2. Take responsibility for your writing journey.

A central feature of Adlerian philosophy is to live life with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Your writing can be viewed as an extension of this enriching ideal. Take ownership of your creative process. Stop waiting for external validation or ideal conditions before starting to write.

Commit to improving your craft, regardless of those fleeting or frightening moments of self-doubt or boredom.

3. Focus on contribution, not perfection.

I know the challenge of feeling like everything I write needs to be close to perfect.

But the real value in writing isn’t about you but how you contribute to your readers’ lives. Even if you feature significantly in your stories or points, you’re writing with an outward focus on improving the lives of others.

Seeing it through this lens will transform your writing.

4. Overcome inferiority complexes by embracing your uniqueness.

Feelings of inferiority often discourage writers from sharing their work, fearing it isn’t ‘good enough.’

Adler suggested that overcoming inferiority is key to growth. Embrace your unique perspective and writing style without apology. Use writing as a self-growth tool in this way.

Be continually pushing the boundaries of what feels ‘safe’ to write. Don’t let the feeling of self-doubt stop you. Losing through avoidance is not an option in this game.

5. View writing as a tool for self-expression.

Self-expression is vital in Adlerian psychology. Vast numbers of people are miserable because they turn their backs on this vital component to an energised life.

If you aren’t writing to express your true thoughts and emotions, you’re doing it wrong. You know when you’re suppressing yourself because you feel like a fraud. The writing drains you.

Your readers can sense when you aren’t expressing yourself fully. Use writing as a way to develop this skill — because it is indeed a skill to nourish.

6. Write to free yourself from the fear of being disliked.

Many avoid or give up on writing in public because they equate rejection from others with having made a poor life choice.

Adlerian psychology teaches that ‘all problems are interpersonal problems,’ and much of our fear as writers stems from worrying about how others will react.

BUT, your fear of being disliked or misunderstood will cripple your creativity and self-expression.

The irony is that your writing will be flat and unlikable if you seek to avoid being disliked.

View this fear as something you can conquer by continually testing your edges in this sphere.

7. Use ‘Life Tasks’ to guide your writing goals.

‘Life tasks’ are a central part of Adler’s idea that humans are driven by a desire to overcome feelings of inferiority and strive for a sense of significance and belonging within society.

In the context of writing, these are tasks like:

• Growing as a writer

• Building connections through writing

• Creating meaningful content.

By setting goals aligned with these life tasks, you can approach writing not just as a means of self-expression but as a way to contribute to the world, connect with others, and evolve both as a writer and an individual.

8. Use writing to overcome adversity.

Adler believed that facing and overcoming challenges is central to personal growth and the development of a strong, resilient character.

Every writer faces challenges, whether it’s writer’s block, fear of rejection, or self-doubt.

Rather than shying away from these obstacles, embrace them as opportunities to grow and learn.

The more you confront these challenges, the stronger and more resilient you’ll become as a writer.

9. Create meaning through community and belonging.

Adler believed in the human need for belonging and how you can’t live an enriched life without it.

Writing can help create a sense of community between you and your readers. Your writing allows you to build relationships and create a shared purpose with your audience.

This is why understanding your big purpose for writing is so key. You attract other readers who support your mission, creating a sense of community, connected by shared values.

It also opens up many opportunities for connecting with other writers.

Adler’s principles have become a highly relevant component in my perspective on my writing journey.

It has helped me see the value in writing beyond merely sharing information. It’s far more than that.

Writing, ultimately, is your tool to break free from the fear of judgment and explore your creative freedom.

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Much love,

Alex

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