Fear is the archnemesis of creative work. So often, it’s the thing standing between you and writing your book. And, just our luck, fear manifests in all kinds of forms. So, we’re going to help you face the many-headed hydra with a series of posts designed to put fear in its place beginning with this paralyzing punch to the gut:

I’m not good enough.

The fear of not being good enough usually shows up in sneaky ways. You’ll hear little beliefs chime up in your head: I’m too old. It’s too late. No one one wants to hear what I have to say. It might be at the core of why you’re not fighting for time to yourself to get your ideas down on paper. Why you let other people’s needs slot themselves in front of your own. Why other projects seem more urgent, more important.

Here is the thing. Self-worth is the foundation your book will be built upon. It’s what gets you out of bed at 5 a.m. to get an hour of writing in before the kids wake up. Believing in yourself and your work will fuel the difficult days of rewriting and revising. It is the fire inside your dream of writing your book and getting it out to the world.

So, “I’m not good enough” has got to go. But, how?

Like any insidious habitual thought pattern, low self-worth is like a broken record playing the same old song over and over in your head. It makes you forget there are millions of other songs out there, and that you have the power to choose which music to play.

The most powerful tool to change your tune is affirmations. Instead of hearing “It’s too late” over and over in your mind, you repeat “I’m right on time” or “Everything unfolds with perfect timing.” Instead of letting the habitual thoughts run the show and reinforce low self-worth, you start building a strong foundation based on a new set of internal messages.

I believe in myself.

People need my book. They are hungry for it.

I am worthy of dedicated time to write.

I’m a great writer with an important story to tell.

Affirmations are positive statements written in the present tense (as though they are happening already, even if they aren’t quite there yet). They re-pattern the mind as you repeat them, creating new neural pathways and brand-new beliefs.

Repeat them in the shower, while walking the dog, on the commute to work. Put up Post-It notes where you can see them every day. Record yourself repeating your affirmations and listen to them whenever you can. Make up silly affirmation songs to hum under your breath while you make dinner.

The more often you repeat these fresh, shiny thoughts, the quieter “I’m not good enough” will get. It might feel ridiculous or embarrassing to begin with, but every time you affirm your own worthiness, you move one step closer to a published book the world needs to read.

Love, MJ

How does “I’m not good enough” show up in your life? Write an affirmation to help re-pattern that thought and share in the comments below!