When I first started writing on LinkedIn I overthought every single word.

Sadly, it made me not enjoy writing for a while.

I was yet another writer who fell victim to self-censorship.

Real quick before we go on though.

What is self-censorship exactly?

Self-censorship is when you suppress your own speech, opinions, views, or expression.

Most times because you believe they may be offensive, wrong, or obscene to others.

Now I'm not going to tell you to start posting every crazy thing on your mind (we all have some)

Or start being rude or polarizing for the sake of it.

But I am here to talk about why self-censorship is so harmful — especially for content writers.

The most glaring reason is it attracts the wrong people to you.

How?

Think of your content as a first impression with your reader.

If it's someone’s first time meeting you…

They'll unconsciously be measuring if they agree, vibe, or resonate with you.

Now let's imagine you've been:

🔹Trend hopping for easy engagement

🔹Worried people will disagree with you so you write cookie cutter stuff

🔹Over analyzing every word you write to the point it doesn't sound like something you'd ever say

(All which are forms of self-censorship)

Do you think for a second you'll attract people similar to the real you?

Or the people you want to?

Do you think you'll ever be able to build an engaged community of likeminded people this way?

Now obviously your digital identity will never be the real you...

But the last thing you want is to create a completely false image you have to constantly hold up (exhausting).

What makes this even worse is the fact that self-censorship ruins honest writing.

With AI being so rampant these days the world needs more authentic content.

I've legit seen new writers I've hopped on calls with censor their own writing so much I ask them if AI wrote it...

This is the exact opposite of what we're aiming for.

Your writing needs to be free flowing, rhythmic, and honest.

This is the fastest way to create your own community online.

A tribe if you will.

So with all that being said…

Here's my best advice to stop self-censorship while you write (for good):

1. Write with the intention to express your ideas, thoughts, & perspective

Forget about the:

🔹Likes

🔹Comments

🔹People who might disagree (it’s a good thing if people do— it starts conversations)

They will all come as you progress in your journey.

But if you make this a personal mantra, you’ll actually fall in love with the craft.

—

2. Remember you’re not married to your ideas

They evolve as you do.

There's nothing wrong with shifting your perspective on prior ideas.

This means you're growing.

So don't get caught up in being held to your ideas.

Those on a similar path of growth will understand.

—

3. Understand great writing is self-exploration

A lot of times you'll uncover hidden truths about yourself while you write.

Or you'll see something in a new light.

From a new angle.

It helps you see gaps in your knowledge and areas in need of improvement.

So share all of your findings freely.

Because in doing this, you’ll help others see the gaps they don’t see in themselves.

Now that’s powerful isn’t it?

Bam, there it is.

The whole idea of great writing is to get out of your own way.

Then watch how you start to attract people similar to you.

It’s a beautiful thing.

—

That’s it for this week.

I’m curious to hear what you're struggling with most when it comes to self-censorship & your writing.

Shoot me a message and let me know!

We can work through it together.

Until next Thursday,

Your friend,

Darion.