Finding Your Way Through the Fear
Well it’s been quite a week here already! Big snowstorm hit Monday night, giving us 12 inches of snow on top of the 12 already on the ground. It’s a heavy wet snow, and strong winds so we had major drifts across all the roads. On top of that our power went out at 9:30 am Tuesday and wasn’t restored until 8:32 on Wednesday. Needless to say didn’t get my blog post out.
Any way, today I wanted to touch on a topic that you might be struggling with.
It has to do with fear of going after what you want. It might be you are afraid of succeeding or failing, that someone will laugh and make fun of you or just that you fear you will make the wrong choice when you decide to do something.
Let me tell you, JUST GET OVER IT!
This is something I struggled with for years. I spent most of my adult life jumping from job to job trying to find the one that satisfied me. Even in the businesses I had, it seemed I was always looking for something else. I was afraid I would succeed and then others wouldn’t like me.
I was lost in the snowstorm without a cleared path.
I finally realized that I was only holding myself back from what I could really do. I know I can help others. I have the experience and patience and gung-ho persistence to make anything I do work. I may not be as smart as some or have all the answers but I do have enough to help some one else beneath me.
I sat down at the first of this year and began mapping out what I really wanted to teach others and how I want to contribute.
Here are some ideas for helping to find your path:
1. Figure out WHY you want to do something. Are you wanting to turn your craft hobby into a business just because you need the money? Or do you really enjoy making your crafts and want to share them with others in a way that makes their lives better? Make a list of the reasons you want to start a business. How will a business change your life? Do you have the time, the persistence and the guts to stick with it and follow it to a success? Is it something you can see your self doing no matter how old you get or how long you do it?
Get real with yourself. Dig deep within to figure out why you want to achieve something. Once you know your why and you focus only moving on with that path will be much easier.
2. Along the way you will need to build self-confidence even when you don’t have any. It takes time and deliberate effort to build self-confidence. There really isn’t any how-to, step-by-step program that can teach you self-confidence. It something that comes from within.
is perfect, following are some steps that may help you build up your sense of confidence.
3 . Set some Goals. This goes back to your why and how you will get to where you want to be.
Write them down. Make a list of your goals, both for the long and short term. Under each goal list the steps it will take to get there.
For example, if one of your goals is to launch your craft or writing business website, your list might go like this:
Launch Website
a. Buy a domain name
b. Set up hosting
c. Install WordPress or Contact web designer to discuss layout
d. Set up payment processor
e. Install auto responder form for list building
f.. Write a short eBook as a promotional giveaway
g. Write content, set up newsletters and add products for site launch
h. Set up Pinterest and Squidoo accounts to use in your business marketing
4. Don’t compare yourself to others. This can be difficult, I know. Even as children we compare ourselves to how little Sally looks or how little Joey plays ball. Constantly comparing yourself to those already successful in your niche is very discouraging. It’s fine to be inspired by Martha Stewart, but don’t beat yourself up when your aren’t exactly like her. That is a recipe for disaster
5. Build a positive self-image as quickly as you can, even if you have to fake it for a while. Thinking you are certain you are going to fail before you even begin will most likely cause you to fail. A negative self-image will cause you to fail and then you fall even deeper into self-loathing. STOP IT. Get that negative voice out of your head immediately. Tell yourself you can achieve anything. Keep repeating it until you believe it.
6. Get to know who you are. Spend quiet time thinking or writing your thoughts in a journal. Find a place where you can relax without any distractions. Assess you weaknesses, your strengths and your personality. What are your character traits- are you persistent or laid-back? What quirks and talents do you have- can you knit a ball of yarn into a masterpiece faster than any one you know or do you build a story with descriptions that makes the reader feel like they are there? Spend time learning who you are.
7. Of course, once you do all these you have to follow through. It’s one of the biggest mistakes we all make, myself included. I know I have products I have started and not finished for whatever reason. One way to help you keep working at it is to think about the consequences of not doing it.
What would happen if you didn’t grow your business? You’d be in the same place you are again next year. You won’t increase your income. You won’t be sharing your gifts with those who desire them. Not building your business can keep you from enjoying vacations or luxury items you want. Always try to remember what won’t happen if you don’t follow through with your business building plans. This can be a big motivator in itself.
Getting over your fears is an important part of finding your way in the snowstorm. Like the recent storm we had, finding a path to the driveway was a matter of digging our way out one snow shovel scoop at a time. And finally the path was clear. What can you do to find your path? Are you on the one you were meant to be on, the one that makes you happy?
Leave a comment below, would love to hear your thoughts.
