How My Book Became An Amazon Top 30 Bestseller: Mindset & Framework

Decoding success

Dreaming BIG

This week, I woke up to the amazing news that my book, The Lemon Tree Mindset, was a Bestseller Top #30 on Amazon Kindle (category Journaling). I’m over the moon because it was one of my big goals and, more than that…a dream.

However, this article is not about my book or my dream, but the mindset and framework I used so that you can apply it as well, build your thing, and smash your goals. The process I used is the exact same one I explain in my book, so many of the lessons will be familiar:

1. Use affirmative language to visualize success

When I wrote The Lemon Tree Mindset, I asked the readers to make a list of their specific goals. I shared my list too, and one of them was,

‘I will be a recognized published author.’

Of course, I’m not there yet, but by setting a clear target, I am working towards that goal, and today I’m one step closer. It’s intimidating to dream big and more so to verbalize it, but it’s a MUST.

Tip: State your goals, and say it out loud. Dream big and loud. Use the term ‘I will’ to make it real.

2. Overcome imposter syndrome

When I published my book, I had to fight the demons in my head and believe that I was a writer. Feedback and criticism terrified me, but I rewired my mindset from ‘It’s not good enough’ to ‘This is my first book, and it’s a huge accomplishment.’

Tip: Challenge your limiting beliefs (‘not good enough/ experienced enough/ credible enough’). Reframe your thoughts into positive, empowering ones.

3. Reverse-engineer success

Let’s have a moment of truth: when people say ‘set an intention,’ or ‘talk to the universe,’ I get a bit impatient. I have talked to the universe, now what?

While that intention is critical, deconstructing success is the path to converting intent into action.

I have spent hours learning, researching, and experimenting to make my book a bestseller leaving little room for luck. This is a list of what I have done in the past 7 months:

- Launched this newsletter to support my book’s launch

- Spent 20 hours studying Amazon for authors (KDP platform, software, marketing)

- Watched 5 YouTube & Amazon tutorials on publishing books & Categories

- Stole the strategy of bestselling authors

- Learned about Amazon ads and invested in campaigns in 4 markets

- Learned about Facebook ads and launched FB and IG ads

- Published 10 articles on writing and publishing on Medium

- Joined 5 Podcasts as a guest talking about writing and publishing

- Pitched myself to a magazine for a full feature as an author

- Promoted my book weekly on Medium and LinkedIn

- Found ways to generate reviews globally

This list is my way of reverse-engineering success. It’s time to build yours.

Tip: After you talk to the universe, make a list of what needs to happen for you to reach your goals. Be strategic (big picture) and tactical (specific actions).

4. Be your own ambassador

No one believes in your dream as much as you do. Own it, champion it, advocate for your own success.

Whatever your thing is, find ways to let people know about it and share your excitement about what you are building. People who like you will cheer for you from the sidelines.

When I announced my first book to my friends and family, the support was overwhelming and gave me a boost of confidence.

Then, it took me a lot of courage to announce it to my extended network, particularly on LinkedIn. Not everyone will support you, but the most unexpected people will, and that’s an incredible feeling. My book now has amazing reviews from the USA, Canada, Spain, France, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong…

Tip: Take people along your journey, share what you are learning, let them be a part of what you are building, and help others when you can.

5. Celebrate the small wins

I have had many days when I was feeling down; my book wasn’t performing, and the momentum was dying down. It’s normal when you are building something new. Then a little something happens: a review, a sale, a podcast invite…I use every opportunity, however small, to celebrate and nurture a winner’s mindset.

Tip: Find your little moments of celebration and use them to fill your motivation jar. You will need them once the tank is empty!

Go get them!

I hope my story has inspired you to go and chase your dream.

If you would like to self-publish your first book on Amazon, check out my digital workbook on Gumroad.