believe in yourself

About two years ago, I made the decision to go indie as an author. It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. And today, two years later, I realize that I’m still thinking of myself as a newbie in the industry — the indie industry that is. But that’s not true, when I think about it.

I had a very successful year last year. I have three new series that I love writing, that I can take as far as I want to without having to deal with my ex-publisher. I’m paying the bills, I’m dictating my own schedule, and choosing my own cover artists and I’ve hired my own editor and I’m figuring out the promotion and advertising side of things. Recently, I enrolled in an intensive business course to boost my understanding of the business and marketing side.

So you know what? I’m not a newbie. I may not have all the answers, but nobody does. I may not know everything I want to about this side of the industry, but I’m learning. And most important: I am enjoying my work, I am paying my bills, and I feel like I have more control over my life. Which means I’m feeling like a success.

And that means: I believe in myself as an indie author.

When I look at what I’ve done over the past two years, yes I have made a few mistakes, but overall I have done an incredible amount of work and I’ve enjoyed almost all of it. So I need to stop thinking of myself as on shaky ground, and start trusting my instincts, and start trusting that I know what I’m doing. And when I have questions, I know where to go to find the answers.

If you don’t believe in yourself, no matter how far along you are in a hobby or a business or anything else in life, you’ll always be questioning yourself. So start focusing on the successes that you have, on the things you do right, and let the mistakes become learning experiences rather than a board to beat yourself over the head with.

Because no matter how much somebody else cheers us on, until we believe in ourselves, we will never truly feel capable.

Now I know this is hard to do at times, but every day sit down and in a journal, write down three things you did right that day. Three things you did well. Three things that you are proud of.

I don’t care if it takes a little stretching to find them, just find three things. Even if it’s something like, “I spent time with my kids today and played a game with them.” Or, “I made a fabulous dinner for my family today.” Because everything counts. All of our successes go into making us who we are. So look at yourself in the mirror, and congratulate yourself for all the things you’ve done right.

Because the more you focus on your success, the more success you’ll have. Like attracts like. Now, here, I want you to tell me three things about yourself that you do well–no qualifications! Ready! Set! Go!

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Inspiration Corner
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11 thoughts on “Inspiration Corner

  • 03/26/2018 at 5:50 am
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    I love Indie authors best! There’s a difference, don’t know what it is, it’s great!

    Reply
  • 03/25/2018 at 8:11 pm
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    Im a loving wife, mother and daughter always caring for others before myself. I’m a creative miniature craft artist! I care for the environment trying to be as green as I possibly can!

    Reply
  • 03/25/2018 at 3:16 pm
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    I needed to see this today. Thank you so much. I hope you don’t mind my sharing this. My peer mental health support group might benefit from your insight.

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    • 03/25/2018 at 3:29 pm
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      Oh, my 3 things, I dealt with an anxiety episode appropriately (took my medication and colored while listening to calming music), I actually filled out and addressed a card to my friend that I had been putting off filling out, and I didn’t stay in my pjs all day, despite my depressive disorder being rather intense of late. I’m definitely going to start this journaling suggestion.

      Reply
    • 03/25/2018 at 5:47 pm
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      Feel free to share it–there are share buttons on the post and you can just share the URL if you want! Or you can read it to people, as long as you tell them where you found it. 🙂 I’m so glad it came at a good time.

      Reply
  • 03/25/2018 at 1:02 pm
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    I love spending time with my granddaughter. I give the best scratchies to my fur babies and grand fur babies. I always smile and say Hi to people.

    Reply
  • 03/25/2018 at 10:19 am
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    I’m a good cook.
    I see dresses for my granddaughter.
    I raissed 2 good human beings.

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  • 03/25/2018 at 10:17 am
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    I’m a good partner to my hubby, I’m a good friend to my friends and my furkids, and I’m good at understanding things that are impossible to understand for most people. That’s not a qualification, that’s just something I’ve always done, understanding things that others don’t.

    Reply
  • 03/25/2018 at 9:55 am
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    I’m good at crocheting, I am always available to listen when my friends and family need it, and I’m good at learning new things.

    Reply
  • 03/25/2018 at 8:51 am
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    I’m the top listen to my friends, I love to play with my grandchildren and give them attention, I cook fabulous dinners the majority ofthe week.

    Reply

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