You’ve Earned It: Why You Deserve the Rewards of Your Hard Work

Welcome to this week’s newsletter! Today, I want to talk about something that many of us struggle with: the idea that you truly deserve the rewards of your hard work. Whether it’s a new purchase, a vacation, or simply taking time for yourself—if you’ve worked for it, you deserve it. Period.

Let’s Start with a Story...

I remember about almost 20 years ago when I wanted to buy my first laptop. It was a Toshiba Satellite L305D. I went to the store at least two or three times, talking to the salespeople about the specs and features before finally deciding to buy it.

But even after all that deliberation, I still had doubts. I kept thinking about how I could use that money for other things—maybe help my mother, fix something around the house, or support someone else who needed it more than I did. I felt guilty about spending that money on myself. I even told the salesman, "Don’t be surprised if I come back to return it tomorrow."

Looking back, I realize that what I lacked wasn’t just the confidence in my decision—it was the belief that I deserved it. I had dreamed about owning that computer for years. I had worked hard, saved up, and there it was, in my hands. But guilt clouded the moment.

The Lesson I Learned

Over time, with professional guidance and self-reflection, I learned an important lesson: I deserved that computer. I worked for it, I earned it, and I had every right to enjoy it without feeling guilty.

It wasn’t easy to reach this mindset. For years, I struggled with feeling like I didn’t deserve certain things, whether it was a nice vacation, a new car, or even just taking time for myself. But with time, I began to see things differently. These moments, these rewards—they were a direct result of my hard work and dedication. And I had earned them.

Today

Now, I feel more at peace with enjoying the things I’ve worked hard for. Whether it’s a trip, a new computer, or even a day off to recharge, I no longer carry the guilt that used to weigh me down.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took years of reflection and personal growth to get to this place. I had to unlearn the guilt that had been ingrained in me, especially growing up in a household where resources were limited and everything was shared.

A Few Key Thoughts on This Topic:

• It’s Okay to Ask for Help: If you struggle with feelings of guilt or undeservingness, it’s okay to seek guidance. Sometimes, this mindset requires more than self-reflection; it needs outside perspective.
• If You’ve Worked Hard, You Deserve It: It really is as simple as it sounds. If you’re not stealing or cutting corners and you’ve put in the work, then you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
• You’re Not Failing Others: Whether it’s family, friends, or your partner, the people who care about you want to see you succeed. They know how hard you’ve worked and will be proud of you for reaching your goals.
• Helping Others Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Pursue Your Dreams: Being generous and helping others is important, but it doesn’t mean you should feel guilty for achieving your own goals.
• No Guilt Allowed: You’ve worked hard. You deserve to feel good about what you’ve accomplished. Don’t let guilt take away from your success.

To Conclude

If you grew up in a home where resources were scarce, like I did, you might find it hard to break the habit of thinking about everyone else before yourself. You might hesitate before clicking that “buy now” button, worrying if it’s selfish to spend money on yourself. I’ve been there.

But here’s the thing: It doesn’t matter where you came from. The phrase I want you to hold onto from now on is simple: I deserve it. You’ve earned it, and you should feel free to enjoy it. Take a moment to celebrate your achievements, savor the experience, and remind yourself—you deserve this.

If you have a related story to share, don't hesitate to join us at The Honest Growth Community Slack, it's free.