Over the years, many folks have told me they don’t consider themselves writers despite the fact that they’re writing.

They haven’t published a book, they say. So they’re not really a writer.

Oof. I get it. I used to struggle with that feeling, too. But here’s the thing: at the end of the day, we’re the only ones who can give ourselves permission to call ourselves writers. Nobody else can. Not some big fancy New York publisher or any other gatekeeper, for that matter. Because if we don’t give ourselves permission to claim our own worth, we’re always going to feel like a fraud on some level.

Meaning: if you’re waiting for some big name publisher to snap you up and validate your work, great. But please, validate your own worth first.

Be your greatest champion. Be all in.

Tell yourself you’re going to do it (be a writer, a painter, whatever your dream is) regardless of what anybody else has to say about it.

So today, choose yourself. Give yourself permission to call yourself a writer, a dancer, a singer, an artist, a welder, a programmer—whatever it is you want. Start by naming it.

Then claim it.

Start moving toward it. Take one teeny, tiny step toward your dream. Then follow it up with another. And another.

With full-on, heart-centered excitement and—yes—PERMISSION! That’s when the magic starts to happen.

P.S. A gentle reminder that our next Jumpstart Your Book virtual retreat is next Tuesday, April 17, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm MT. Click here for more info and to register. Or simply hit “reply” with any questions.