Empowering Your Journey: Embrace the Mantra "I Can Do Hard Things"
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In the realm of self-doubt, many grapple with the fear of being perceived as a fraud. However, if you’re questioning your authenticity, it’s likely that you’re not a fraud at all.
You possess the capability to tackle challenging tasks.
Achieving goals can be tough. Completing projects can feel daunting. Some days, simply rising from bed can be a challenge. Yet, you persist because it’s necessary. And when you stumble, remember that each new day offers a fresh chance to try again.
For me, the mantra for this year is: “I can do hard things.” While it may appear to be a straightforward phrase that I’ve encountered many times before, this year, it carries a deeper significance. I’ve grown weary of abandoning tasks simply because they become challenging. I've left manuscripts unfinished, courses incomplete, and dreams unrealized, not to mention a closet that seems to spill chaos upon my approach. I’ve made excuses, but the truth is that I often falter when faced with difficulty.
I worry that if I finalize my manuscripts and send them out again, they will be rejected because they won’t measure up. The same applies to my dreams.
As for the closet, my fear of getting hit by a rogue zipper might be a valid concern…
Regardless, I’ve devised a six-step strategy to achieve my goals this year, alongside a selection of inspiring books that fueled my confidence in writing this piece. By sharing this process, I hope to reinforce my commitment, and if it resonates with you, let’s support each other — we can tackle hard things together!
Step 1: Clarify Your Intentions
This year, I aim to complete my 200-hour yoga certification, revise my novel for the fourth time and submit it again, improve the picture books that faced rejection, and launch a course focused on writing for children.
Yikes, I just committed all of that to text and I won’t erase it. Once I hit publish, it will be out there for all to see.
Is it intimidating? Absolutely. My heart races as I type this.
Is it challenging? You can bet on it. Actually, you’re likely well aware of how tough it can be.
But I’m moving forward because I CAN DO HARD THINGS!
And so can you.
Step 2: Banish Impostor Syndrome
I have spent many years building a career around writing articles and books to share knowledge. I’ve created numerous stories, penned them down, and they’ve been embraced by countless readers. Children have written to tell me they keep my books under their pillows, and parents often share how my graphic novels have transformed reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones.
One delightful child even called me their “favorite otter.” I cherish that.
I’ve guided numerous aspiring picture book authors in realizing their ambitions.
Yet, every time I prepare to write an article, give a presentation, or teach a class, I still grapple with feelings of inadequacy, doubting my authority on the subject.
This experience of impostor syndrome is prevalent, and I can almost see you nodding as you read this. Here’s a crucial insight to help you dispel it:
You only need to know 10-20% more than your audience about the topic you’re discussing.
Moreover, your audience seeks relatable insights, practical takeaways, and fresh information. When they find those elements, they won’t critique your knowledge. Instead, they’ll appreciate what you’ve shared. And any familiar information? You’ve just made them feel more informed!
It’s a win-win scenario.
Step 3: Equip Yourself with Knowledge
Whenever I embark on a new endeavor, my first step is to immerse myself in reading. I’ve consumed countless books on writing and, in recent years, have expanded my exploration to include podcasts on various topics like yoga, meditation, creativity, marketing, and more.
The year 2022 was a remarkable time for my knowledge expansion. I embraced every free opportunity available, attending webinars, master classes, and downloading resources. My inbox overflowed with offers from those eager to impart their wisdom, and I eagerly accepted them all.
Initially, this approach seemed to derail my plans (more on that later). I had tasks to tackle, or at least distractions to indulge in. But eventually, my perspective shifted. Instead of merely absorbing information, I began to engage, reaching out to podcasters who inspired me. They were thrilled to share their journeys, often having been just a few steps ahead of me.
In that time, I read a wealth of impactful books, including:
- Get Your Sh*t Together, by Sarah Knight
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, by Amy Morin
- Launch, by Jeff Walker
- The Daily Stoic, by Ryan Holiday
- How to Write Like Tolstoy, by Richard A. Cohen
- Reading Like a Writer, by Francine Prose
- The Heroine’s Journey, by Gail Carriger
- Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor, by Lynda Barry
- A Swim in the Pond in the Rain, by George Saunders
Amidst this information gathering and engagement, I was invited to present an online webinar about writing picture books. Me, speaking to a camera for an hour. The audience? A mere 900 live viewers and thousands more on rewatch. I accepted.
I was able to do this because I had filled my toolkit with knowledge I had previously lacked. The podcasts, webinars, and interactions equipped me so that… guess what…
I could do hard things.
And so I did.
Step 4: Choose Your Initial Steps with Care
I previously mentioned that engaging with all those webinars and books nearly sidetracked me. This was due to the polished presentations that seemed to promise overnight success with minimal effort.
That feeling of inadequacy was disheartening — it felt impossible to keep pace or succeed in an arena where everything appeared effortless. But I delved deeper.
A podcaster I had contacted shared insights about a course she took, which ultimately led to her successful endeavors. She revealed the hard work behind her seemingly sudden success, which came only after years of groundwork and six months of dedicated effort.
Here’s another lesson I want to share with you:
What appears to be an overnight success is rarely the case.
What you see is the culmination of hard work and planning behind the scenes.
Step 5: Foster Positive Beliefs
A physician friend recently introduced me to psychologist Martin Seligman’s work, which includes an exercise called “Three Good Things.” This practice involves reflecting on three positive events from your day before sleeping. Studies show that taking even a minute to focus on gratitude can enhance well-being and positivity for years.
Simultaneously, another friend highlighted Steve Pavlina’s insights on empowering beliefs. He noted that not only can our moods be influenced, but our beliefs can also significantly impact our success. A shift toward positive beliefs about our situations can yield remarkable outcomes.
If you believe your limitations are barriers, you’re likely to experience negative results. Conversely, viewing those same challenges as hurdles to overcome can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Need proof? Just think of The Little Engine That Could — it believed in itself and accomplished hard things.