: The Power of Self-Belief (Especially When Outlook Isn't Working)

This week, I felt compelled to write something for the thought leadership corner of my website - something that cuts through the noise, especially for fellow creatives. Whether you're a writer, editor, designer, illustrator, or all of the above, there’s one thing that consistently turns effort into impact: self-belief.

Not credentials. Not fancy awards. Not a perfect portfolio.

Self-belief.

It’s the quiet force that fuels our pitches, our pricing, and our persistence. You could be absolutely brilliant - booked and busy, even - but if you’re constantly second-guessing yourself or drowning in imposter syndrome, that brilliance never quite translates into the income or recognition you deserve. Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I care to count.

And let’s not forget another trap we creatives fall into: assuming we know what our clients are thinking. It's so easy to spiral — especially when you're staring at an enpty bank balance that needs to cover the electricity bill or fill the fridge. You start to second-guess your worth, your rates, your every move.

But here's the thing: you can’t grow your business while living in the head of your hypothetical client. You’re not a mind reader. You’re a professional.

So how do we stay grounded? For me, it's about balance. I try to keep myself on the 5/5 mark — neither inflating nor deflating my worth. When I start to slide toward self-doubt or overthinking, I stop. I breathe. I remind myself who I am and what I bring to the table.

Your voice, your skills, your unique magic—it matters. And it’s worthy of being paid for.

And while I’m here, let me tell you: negativity is sticky. Like Velcro. It clings and clings and clings. But the more we lean into self-awareness and gratitude - yes, even when Outlook crashes or Teams won’t load - the easier it becomes to shake off that negative noise.

This morning, my tech wasn’t cooperating. My inbox was rebelling. But I still landed a new client. I still saw a little bump in my bank balance. And I’m choosing to focus on that.

So here's your reminder: stay present, stay warm (especially if you’re in the South - hello, June freeze), and stay believing. You’ve got this.

Here’s to a super-productive, quietly powerful week ahead.