Blacksburg Belle

Why You Need an “I Rock” Folder

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{Print from Kelly Place on Etsy}

Everybody has days where they feel like they suck—like failures.

I don’t care how popular you are, how famous you are, or how much money you make—we all have bad days.

Have you ever felt really good about the creative products you’re making and then you receive some form of negative feedback that changes your entire mood? Some jerk tells you that she’d never pay $70 for your eco-friendly felted slippers that you’re incredibly proud of. Or a relative mentions that you should really consider getting a “real job” since you’ll never be able to make “real money” from your art. And, it ruins your day.

Maybe you work really hard to prepare for a craft show and then it pours that weekend, leaving only a few brave shoppers. Or you realize that you shipped the wrong product to the wrong customer, because you packaged it while your head was foggy from cough medicine and your toddler was having a meltdown.

This is when you need an “I Rock” folder. Something that will help you put things into perspective and pick you back up.

The Logistics of the “I Rock” Folder

I have a folder on my computer labeled, “I Rock” and every time I get an email from a customer gushing over my product or services, I add it to the folder. I add testimonials, blog comments, and tweets that make me feel really good about myself and my business. I also include a list of accomplishments in this folder like all of the links to the Etsy Success Reading Lists where one of my posts have been featured.

Whenever I have one of those unpleasant moments where I start to think that I suck, I open up that folder and read a handful of those emails and comments—and it helps to change my mood.

Whenever I need a boost, because I’m having a “blah” day or I have to work for 10 hours to get everything done, I’ll read a couple of those comments—and it makes it all worth it.

Your Challenge

Simply add a folder to your desktop and start compiling all of the nice things that customers and fans say to you and a list of your accomplishments. And when you need a quick pick-me-up, read a few of them. I bet that it helps to change your mood.

Related Posts:

What’s Your True Creative Calling?

How I Quit My Day Job to Pursue My Creative Dreams

10 Must-Read Books for Creative Entrepreneurs

Comments

  2. This is a great idea!

    One of my professors from undergrad wrote me this amazing letter of recommendation when I was applying to graduate schools and she gave me a copy. I kept that copy in my apartment all through grad school, and whenever I was having a rough day, I’d pull it out and remind myself that I could do it.

    I love the idea of keeping a virtual version on my computer!

    Reply

    • Hey Megan! I wish I would have thought of that when I was in grad school–because I definitely had some rough days. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Happy holidays 🙂

      Reply

  3. Hi April,

    I just wanted to say that this is such an awesome idea! I usually have a bunch of quotes and photos of my little girls around to help me stay positive but I never thought of keeping comments from customers, let alone having things nicely organized on my computer. Thank you for this. I can’t wait to get started!

    Reply

  6. April – just wanted to tell you that your blog is under my list of inspirational blogs, and I enjoy reading what you (+ Linda) have to say. Thanks for the nudges, when I need them. {:-Deb

    Reply

  7. Hi April!

    I have a “This is why I’m HOT” file in Google Docs that does the same thing. And I love it! It’s great to be able to just copy and paste any email or comment in there, then come back later to read them all whenever I want! 🙂 Talk about a boost! 😀

    Reply

  8. What a good idea. Not only as a pick-me-up but some of those testimonials might come in handy in promotional materials later on down the road.

    Reply

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