Here’s another excerpt from my forthcoming debut book, ‘60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey: A Handy Guide for the Budding Entrepreneur’ (available Feb. 25 on Amazon). This comprehensive volume of the journey (so far) covers everything from branding philosophy, to mindset, to the dynamics of our working and personal relationships.

Pre-order the digital version now! (Paperback pre-order coming soon.)

The greatest antidote to your unfavorable narratives is to provide yourself with consistent evidence to the contrary. That means routinely doing what you say you’re going to do, and it starts with keeping promises to yourself. By keeping promises to yourself, you build trust in the person in the mirror. Greater self-worth and self-respect are byproducts of that.

If you say you’re going to record an album this year, do it. If you keep telling yourself you’re going to post consistently to social media, you’d better get to work. This practice also applies to your everyday life. If you say you’re going to work out four times a week, show up at least that much. If you have specific dietary improvements in mind, start today. Don’t wait until January 1.

If you keep telling yourself you’re going to ask that person out, what are you waiting for? They’re not going to wait forever.

How you do one thing is how you do everything. Developing the ability to consistently honor your commitments starts by honoring those you make internally. From there, that ability carries over to your creative platform, your relationships, and every other aspect of your life.

Indeed, your success begins with you. However, it doesn’t end there…