Never Saying No to Yourself

We all have that inner voice of doubt and skepticism, questioning whether we truly deserve the opportunities and dreams we aspire to achieve. I can certainly relate. In fact, I'm here to tell you that when I landed my first book deal, it felt like a far-fetched dream, and, honestly, I probably didn't deserve it. At that point, I had been seriously developing recipes for just about six months, and my career had only recently shifted towards wellness. I was on the tail end of a period of extreme agoraphobia when I embarked on this journey.

However, I didn't let self-doubt dictate my choices. When I conceived the idea for a cookbook focused on healthy ice pop recipes, I didn't question why anyone would entrust me with such a project. Instead, I turned to the internet, searching for guidance on crafting a cookbook proposal. I uncovered several examples online and spent weeks testing and photographing various recipes. This endeavor was marked by moments of anxiety and panic attacks, considering I was still grappling with agoraphobia. Nevertheless, my dream was to become a cookbook author, and I was determined to achieve it. So, I delved into the world of literary agents, tirelessly sending out my proposals.

I secured representation within a mere two weeks. Just a month later, I found myself in New York, wearing the same outfit day after day as my agent and I met with some of the world's largest publishing houses. I still remember the black silk pants, white silk shirt, and gold necklace—my so-called "professional author" costume, as my agent playfully called it. This attire was all I could afford at the time, and she humorously assured me she wouldn't disclose my secret. Our meetings with publishing houses led to a book deal, as Glow Pops was eventually published under the Penguin Random House umbrella.

The advance from the book and the early success of my husband's start-up business allowed us to move out of my in-laws' house and into a cozy apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This location came with its quirks, including a spirited early morning serenade of Whitney Houston songs from a passerby. However, it was here that I took my first significant step towards the wellness media world, eventually becoming a food director. This role allowed me to interact with both esteemed chefs and reputable doctors, enabling me to acquire a profound understanding of cooking and health. I landed my second book deal for "Healthier Together," an ambitious project in terms of both advance and scope.

With the valuable connections I had built and the expertise I had honed, I embarked on yet another venture—the "Liz Moody Podcast." In due course, I left the traditional media landscape to become the editor-in-chief of my own digital magazine, manifested through my social media content and podcast. Today, I host a renowned personal growth podcast and am in the process of writing my third book, one that resonates most authentically with me. My husband and I also run a conversation card company, and our community continues to grow.

It all comes down to a simple motto I've carried with me: "Never be the one to say no to yourself." It's not a free pass to achieving every ambition; there are opportunities that may remain out of reach due to qualifications or systemic inequities. However, this motto serves as a reminder that you should never be the obstacle standing in your own way.

For every agent or publisher I reached out to, they had the power to say "no." But they didn't. And that's because I refused to say "no" to myself. I've shared this motto in a viral social media post, and the response has been incredible. I've heard countless stories of individuals who received raises beyond their wildest expectations, found love with their dream partner, outbid others for their ideal homes, secured book deals, recording contracts, dream jobs, and more. It's a powerful testament to the notion that seeking opportunities and embracing the possibility of rejection can lead to remarkable outcomes.

So, I urge you to look around your life and identify one area where you might be saying "no" to yourself. It could be forging a new friendship, pursuing a career change, establishing a new partnership dynamic at home, writing a book, or asking out someone you've been eyeing. Research and prepare as much as you can to position yourself for success, and then take that leap of faith. Embrace the possibility of rejection, but don't be surprised when it turns out to be a resounding "yes."