My Book of Awesome: How It Helps Me Get Through Tough Days (And How It Can Help You Too)

A Simple Tool for Staying Positive in Your Handmade Business

Running a handmade business is incredibly rewarding, but let’s face it—there are days when nothing seems to go right. Maybe orders get mixed up, supplies are delayed, or sales are slower than expected. On those tough days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where my Book of Awesome comes in.

The Book of Awesome is a personal tool I use to remind myself of all the great things I’ve accomplished, the positive feedback from customers, and the little wins that make the hard work worth it. When I’m having a bad day, flipping through this book helps me regain perspective, refocus on the positives, and push through with renewed energy. Here’s how it works, and how you, as a handmade seller, can create your own.

What Is the Book of Awesome?

My Book of Awesome is essentially a journal where I document all the positive moments in my business. It’s filled with:

• Positive reviews from happy customers

• Personal notes of encouragement from friends, family, and colleagues

• Photos of milestones, like my first subscription box or a sold-out product launch

• Sales goals I’ve hit and big orders I’ve fulfilled

• Little moments that remind me why I started my handmade business in the first place

  
  

By capturing these moments, I’ve created a personal resource that I can turn to whenever I’m feeling stuck or discouraged. It’s not just a list of accomplishments—it’s a reminder of the impact my handmade business has on others and how far I’ve come.

How I Use It When I’m Having a Bad Day

When I’m feeling like nothing is going right, I take a break, sit down with my Book of Awesome, and read through the pages. It’s a way to reconnect with the why behind my business and remind myself that I’ve overcome challenges before. Sometimes, a single glowing customer review is enough to lift my spirits, or seeing a photo of a product launch that went well helps me remember that setbacks are temporary.

Real-World Example: I recently had a tough day where multiple orders were delayed, and it felt like everything was going wrong. Instead of spiraling into frustration, I pulled out my Book of Awesome and read a note from a customer who loved one of my subscription boxes. Their enthusiasm reminded me that the work I do makes a difference, and it gave me the motivation I needed to keep going.

How You Can Create Your Own Book of Awesome

Creating your own Book of Awesome is simple, and it can be a powerful tool for boosting your mindset when times are tough.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Pick a Journal or Notebook: It doesn’t have to be fancy, but choose something that feels special to you. This is where you’ll capture all your positive moments.

2. Document Customer Feedback: Whenever you get a glowing review, a heartfelt message, or a social media shout-out, write it down in your Book of Awesome. Even better, print out or screenshot customer emails and include them as visual reminders.

3. Celebrate Wins: Did you hit a sales goal, successfully launch a new product, or get featured in a blog? Add these wins to your book. No accomplishment is too small to celebrate.

4. Include Personal Notes: Ask friends, family, or mentors to write you a note of encouragement that you can add to your Book of Awesome. Their words can be a powerful reminder of your support system.

5. Add Photos or Mementos: Sometimes visual reminders are the most impactful. Include photos of your workspaces, craft shows, or milestones, like the day you launched your business or when you shipped your 100th or 100,000th order.

   
   

How Handmade Sellers Can Benefit

For handmade sellers, the Book of Awesome is an easy and effective way to stay motivated through the ups and downs of running a small business. When orders are slow, or you’re doubting your abilities, it’s easy to forget the impact you’re making on your customers’ lives. Having a dedicated space to capture positive feedback and moments of success can serve as a powerful reminder that the hard work is worth it. |

Real-World Example: I’ve found that on days when I’m questioning whether my efforts are paying off, flipping through my Book of Awesome shifts my mindset. It helps me see the bigger picture and reconnect with the love I have for my craft.

Make It a Regular Practice

Your Book of Awesome isn’t just for bad days—it can be a daily practice. Get into the habit of writing down positive feedback, accomplishments, and wins regularly. Over time, this book will grow into an incredible resource that you can lean on whenever you need a boost.

Action Tip: Consider setting aside time at the end of each week to add new moments of “awesome” to your book. Reflect on what went well, what you’re proud of, and the feedback that made you smile.

Conclusion: Turn to Your Book of Awesome When You Need It Most

The Book of Awesome is more than just a collection of feel-good moments—it’s a tool that keeps you grounded and motivated, even on the hardest days. As handmade sellers, we face unique challenges, but we also have the power to create meaningful, positive experiences for our customers. By documenting these moments in your own Book of Awesome, you’ll have a constant reminder of why you do what you do, and the impact your products make. If you create your own *Book of Awesome*, will you share it with me? I’d love to feature your story on the blog and highlight how you’re using it to stay motivated in your handmade business!

Question: What moments of awesome can you capture today to remind yourself of how far you’ve come in your handmade business?