Chapter 1: The Importance of Recognition

You are truly remarkable. It's essential to gather proof of this. While we often remember critiques, the compliments can slip our minds. Keeping a record of positive feedback is vital for those times when self-doubt creeps in.

Indeed, you are incredible. Recently, I revisited The Book of Awesome, a resource I found invaluable during a challenging week. I had submitted a feature article to a magazine I admire, only to receive edits from the commissioning editor. While the requests were fair, I made the adjustments.

A couple of days later, a second editor provided even more feedback. I pushed back on some points but complied with the rest. The next morning, my inbox revealed yet another round of edits from a third editor. Some suggestions felt unnecessary, and I was losing my enthusiasm. Nevertheless, I made the changes, resulting in a piece that felt lackluster.

Editor number four didn’t hold back when he sent it back for additional rewrites. At this point, I realized what I needed: my Book of Awesome, a compilation of positive affirmations and gratitude.

This scrapbook contains thank-you notes from interviews, kind words from PR representatives after successful articles, and even handwritten postcards from my fantastic editor at the Telegraph magazine, expressing appreciation for my work. I’ve also saved printouts of encouraging emails and letters from readers. One entry even features a humorous moment from a beach barbecue where children awarded me the title of “Most Respectful and Polite Grown-Up,” much to the amusement of their parents.

My Book of Awesome is intentionally whimsical; if anyone were to see it, I’d feel embarrassed. Its cover, adorned with a trumpet, reflects my struggle with self-promotion, while hearts and stars add a playful touch, allowing me to keep it tucked away on a high shelf. However, this quirky scrapbook serves a significant purpose.

When my confidence wavers or I face rejection, flipping through its pages reminds me of my capabilities.

We excel at recalling criticism but often overlook our achievements. A single negative comment can linger in our minds, overshadowing numerous successes. My Book of Awesome was born out of a desire to document victories and remind myself of my accomplishments during tough times.

As a coach for creatives, I encourage my clients to create their own versions of this book. This practice was inspired by an experience with a young singer who was disheartened by harsh comments on her latest single’s YouTube promo. “Look!” she cried, “They all hate me!”

I examined the comments, and while some were indeed negative, I reminded her that she aimed to evoke strong reactions with her music. This was a positive sign; not everyone would resonate with her work.

To counter the negativity, I began reading aloud the supportive remarks from her fans. Despite her pleas for me to stop, I continued for twenty minutes, determined to help her remember the love she received and use it as a shield against criticism.

When you embrace your uniqueness and create work that reflects your true feelings, criticism is inevitable. Ironically, even those who try hardest to please everyone can’t satisfy all, especially in today’s digital landscape where anonymity fosters unfiltered negativity.

Sharing your creations makes you vulnerable, and that can be daunting. Most creatives are sensitive, which is a gift that enables us to connect with others through our work. However, we need protective armor for those days when negativity strikes or when our inner critics are particularly harsh.

Celebrating achievements and remembering positive feedback is crucial. After our session, the singer initiated her own Book of Awesome, titled Fabulous Me, complete with a glittery pink unicorn on the cover. I imagine it is now filled with affirmations, especially since she recently earned her first platinum disc in the US.

Rejection and criticism can sting. In my case, I reached out to the fourth editor with a summary of all previous communications, requesting a unified direction before I made further changes. A few days later, I received an apologetic email from the original commissioning editor, explaining that my piece had been circulated among the team, leading to a flurry of edits.

“You know we love your work,” she assured me. I now hold onto that affirmation, adding it to my Book of Awesome to remind myself in moments of doubt.

Are you prepared to elevate your creative business? As a coach, I offer a free 10-day course designed to establish ten foundational elements for your growth and success. Sign up for it here.

Chapter 2: Finding Strength in Community

Explore the journey of self-acceptance and resilience through the official music video for "You Proof" by Morgan Wallen, showcasing the importance of recognizing one's worth.

Chapter 3: Gathering Evidence of Success

Join Andy Sybrandy in "Gathering New Evidence" as he uncovers lessons on resilience and the power of positive feedback, vital for anyone facing criticism.