Why You Should Keep a "Why I'm Awesome" Document
Thriving as a Storyteller!
Welcome to the Apple Hair CANON!
Here, I’ll explore creating a fictional universe, and I’m hoping you’ll follow along with your own world. I’m by no means an expert, so let’s discuss how to create a believable, magical, and captivating world. Let’s be storycatchers together!
Want to read Apple Hair, the boy band fantasy novel, from the very beginning? You can start here! Apple Hair is a fictional, Asian American boy band from Hawaii.
Welcome to the newsletter, and I’m excited to lay down the foundations of our storyworlds together, one word at a time.
Hi, storycatchers! The CANON is reaching double digits today. (It’s the tenth in the series.) I’m so happy to be able to take this storytelling journey with you, and I’m happy that we can encourage each other to keep being creative. So far, we talked about refilling your creative well, how to write an inciting incident, self-inserts, and many other topics. I want to take a break from craft and focus a bit on the storyteller—you! For this edition, I thought I’d talk about keeping a record of your storytelling brilliance.
So, this might look like something like a simple document. I recommend naming your document something like “why I’m awesome”—really, it could be anything you want. Don’t worry, I’m creating my document along with you, and this is a new practice for me as well.
Random deep question—do you see yourself as valuable and worthy?
Maybe you’re a bit like me—you don’t like to talk to people about your accomplishments. You feel like you might come across as too loud. However, let me tell you that your “why I’m awesome” file will not only bolster your confidence, but it will also open up new opportunities for you.
With this document (it could be as simple or as aesthetically pleasing as you would like), you can succinctly tell someone about why you’re good at what you do—whether that’s completing novels and gaining reads online, or managing creative projects of other people. This data is so powerful because it will show others that you’re worth the hire, the raise, and maybe even the publishing (!) deal.
How should we make this file? I recommend just opening up a blank document. Write out everything that you accomplished recently, anything that would raise a brow or prompt intrigue from a stranger. Then, get a bit more detailed with it. List how many words were written, how much revenue was earned, and the people that you helped with your projects.
In the end, you should be left with a document that highlights your strengths and your unique selling point. Sure, it’s hard to think of ourselves as products, but sometimes this will be the thing that will land that dream job or finally secure the compensation that you’re worth.
Whenever someone asks you about what you accomplished, don’t be afraid to reference this document and showcase your strengths. No one is going to do this for you! And no one else is going to fight for your raise and your publication. There’s always time to be humble, but not when talking about what makes you, you.
I learned this brilliant technique from YouTuber Rose Han. Trust me, this document will change how you view your capabilities. Because we are very prone to underestimating ourselves! Data is powerful, and it will also convince you that you have done quite a bit more than you thought.
But let’s go back to my first question in bold. Remember, though, that your value does not come from this data or your outcomes. That can only come from God and how he made you special and brilliant! So rest in this love that you have from him. That is never going anywhere.
So, I’m going to be working on this “why I’m awesome” document a lot this week. Do you already have a picture of what to include in your document? What are your ideas to make it more unique and visually appealing?
I’m very interested to know!
What would you like me to discuss in the next post? Comment below! Or jump into my Chat or on one of my Notes, and I’ll be happy to hear your input. Take care while writing this week!