When you do start talking about your mountaintop and the climb ahead of you, the dream life you’re pursuing, don’t minimize what you’re doing. If only I had a dollar for every time I have heard someone start a sentence with “I’m just.” Like a friend (who is clearly a writer) who said she is “just a blogger” with thousands of followers! “I’m just a designer, I can’t write a marketing plan.” “I’m just a teacher, I don’t know how to launch an online business.” “I’m just a dreamer…”

No, you’re not just anything. You were made in God’s image, with specific dreams and gifts! You can achieve more than you ever thought possible. You are starting at the bottom but you know who else started at the bottom? Steve Jobs, Oprah, J.K. Rowling and Colonel Sanders. Michael Jordan and Bono and Beyonce. You’re choosing to leave the valley which takes serious guts. The world needs what you have to give, and don’t you forget it!

Remember how important our habitual thoughts are. Remember that you have to make and effort to leave negative nancies behind to move forward – including the nancies in your own mind! Be encouraged today! You are going to do amazing things!

– Adapted from Chapter 7, for book excerpts and worksheets subscribe below!