As writers and teachers/trainers, especially of non-fiction work, deep down we all want to take the next steps to SHARE our work and our stories, so others can benefit from what we have learned.
Then as quickly and as passionately do those thoughts arise, we also experience ones of self-doubt, second-guessing ourselves at every turn. ‘Not to mention that if we waited for everyone’s approval and confidence we thought mattered, we would be waiting an eternity. I have come to realize that this is selfish. Yes, selfish, because there are likely people who need to hear from YOU now, to be changed, encouraged and influenced by your story, your compassion and your journey . . . NOW.
Also, for what it is worth, it’s important to realize that some people who seem not to approve or have confidence in you, could just be coming from a very limited frame of reference or perspective—and to give the benefit of the doubt, they might simply want to protect you. Unfortunately too, as we know, there are others that might simply be envious about the thought of you moving forward where perhaps they can’t or haven’t yet. It’s hard to say why more of society, let alone friends or family, aren’t more accepting of one another, encouraging, open and positive—but that is the way it is.
In any case, whether it is moving forward in business, or writing your first or tenth book, or speaking to an audience of any size, here are some nuggets that I hope will MOVE you to action . . . and help you see the difference you are meant to make, while you have the opportunity to:
- Recognize the profound ripple effect you have on others, when you share/teach with knowledge, experience, honesty and compassion.
- Realize and accept the responsibility that there are others waiting for you to garner the courage to share your voice. Have you ever heard something you thought you already knew, but found you understood it in a totally different way, because of how well you related to who was sharing it, and how?
- Start somewhere. Quite often, we burden ourselves with too many “to do’s”. All that is necessary is that we prioritize, and start with something we know that we can build on.
- Be committed to constant and never-ending learning. Study, research, and of course, be mindful of your sources.
- Make a plan, but be flexible. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything all at once. Spread it out. Perfect each step, learn, and move onto the next.
- Do your due diligence for the work you intend to do and share. Decide who your audience is, how you can help them and what your message is.
- Be willing to course-correct as you go along, and recognize the value of what you learn or relearn in the process.
- Surround yourself with like-minded and like-hearted people.
- Hire experts for added support, either for consulting and accountability, or to provide services that you don’t know enough about and would take you too long to learn. Either way, this will allow you to do more of what you are already very good at.
- Get quiet and centered, and listen to what YOUR inner voice is guiding you to do. Many people run around getting a bunch of information, and then feel confused as to who is “right”. That answer for you, is inside of YOU.
‘And as Dr. Susan Jeffers says in her book by the same name, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.
What is your story? What difference do you want, and intend, to make today, this week, month and year? Go ahead, and take the next steps.Don’t hesitate to let me know how I may be able to help you in your journey. Please feel free to contact me directly by email, or respond here and leave a link back to your own blog via the commentluv feature you’ll find on this site.
Last but not least, special thanks and shout-out to Carl Feddema, who prompted my creative juices on this blog post.
Always wishing you meaningful success on your own terms!
Sheri
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