> The idea that I "deserve" success, and to be happy, is something I've heard repeated many times but have always struggled comprehending. I think to myself, we

> The idea that I "deserve" success, and to be happy, is something I've heard repeated many times but have always struggled comprehending. I think to myself, well, why do I deserve it? Just for being alive? I get that. Some of it is because Success and Deserve are imprecisely defined - while I Deserve is declarative (and kind of precise). It makes the concept a weird fit. Past that: I think the point of 'I Deserve Success' is to break the association between Deserve and Effort. I suspect you aren't sure those two things should be broken apart. * As for what might work better for you: Considering whether or not you are welcoming of success when it arrives. If you aren't, Imposter Syndrome might be on the table. If you do welcome success, maybe you're already okay. * I know I'm hesitant to break Deserve and Effort apart. It's tied to my negative feelings about telling kids they're smart - because kids can't earn intelligence. I think the unearned elevation (here, anyway) skews expectations and makes learning harder