The hardest thing about building a career around your passion isn’t branding, marketing, finances, networking, training, or even talent.
It’s believing you’re worthy.
Maybe that sounds overly simplistic.
On the good days, it probably does feel simple. The challenge is remembering it on the worst.
Do you believe you’re worthy even when you get negative feedback?
Do you believe you’re worthy when someone else gets the job you wanted?
What about when a family member asks if you’re ready to get serious and stop chasing flimsy dreams?
Can you keep believing when someone criticizes your work, you make a mistake, or fail at something?
What about when you feel exhausted and overwhelmed—do you still think you're deserving of success?
Believing you’re worthy isn’t something you figure out once.
It’s something you have to work at. Every day. Especially on the hard days.
I still have many days where I feel pretty worthless and think about quitting coaching, music, or trying in general.
This list of techniques for getting through those days is as much for me as it is for you.
On the days when it’s feeling particularly hard to feel worthy of the life and career you want, try this:
Close the apps
Comparing yourself to others when you’re already feeling undeserving will only make things worse. Close the apps at the first sign of sadness or stress.
Take a break
When you’re caught in a negative feedback loop, sometimes the only way to break it is to physically change what you’re doing. Walk around the block, read a book, go get a coffee.
Talk to a friend
Reach out to friends or mentors for a quick pep talk. Be straight up and say, “I’m having a hard time remembering that I’m good enough. Can you remind me?
Keep a “wins” list
Use your phone notes, get a pretty journal from Target, or tattoo them on your leg—however you record them doesn’t matter. Reading a list of some of the wonderful things you’ve already done will help you get through the tough days.
Write down 3 things you’re grateful for
Gratitude journals are famous for a reason. Focusing your mind on things you’re grateful for gives you a break from fixating on the negative and reminds you that you’re ok.
If you reach the end of the list and still feel bad, return to number two (the apps should still be closed at this stage!) and start again.
You ARE worthy - every day.
Love your suggestions! Yes - staying in the game is half the battle. When I’m caught in a moment of self doubt, I look at my notes with compliments I’ve received from people about my music. I started journaling these compliments a few years ago because it’s human nature to remember negative things and not the positive. It always cheers me up and reminds me that people ARE listening.