Each week I have the pleasure of helping women step out of their comfort zones. These women want to grow their businesses, be seen, and make a difference but many of them are stuck and struggling with resistance, hesitation, perfectionism, and the constant worry of what others will think.
Guess what? I used to be the same! I used to struggle with resistance, hesitation, perfectionism, and constant worry about what others thought of me. I feared criticism and judgment. I spent a lot of time trying to please everyone. I kept myself small and safe until a family friend volunteered me for a community leadership position leadership with the neighborhood athletic association.
This may be hard for you to imagine, but I was absolutely terrified to speak in front of that small group. The idea of reading a report in front of others made me feel sick for days. I worked on my presentation for more than a week, obsessing over every detail, and when the day of the first meeting came, I wanted to stay in bed.
Fortunately, I had someone who believed in me and was counting. on me to see it through. So I showed up. And guess what? Auto-correct changed the name of one of the officers to the word BESIDE. 🫢 😳 😔
As I was reading it aloud, I choked, embarrassed, and ashamed for not catching the typo before I printed this out and gave it to all the board members. Not one person even noticed but I beat myself up about that for weeks afterward. (get the whole story inside the video below)
I was committed to the organization so I kept showing up and doing the reports every single month. And it got easier. I became more comfortable showing up in front of a group. The more I spoke the more compliments I got on my speaking and writing. And soon I gained the courage to speak and write more.
This is what happened next:
I truly believe that this experience of volunteering locally in my community was my first step in getting comfortable with being seen. Like you, my skills and talents are different than others and for many years I tried to keep myself small and comfortable. I feared criticism and worried constantly about how I looked. But every time I spoke I gained more confidence and recognition. Soon I had the courage to step even more outside my comfort zone.
And look what else happened:
Are you struggling with fear, resistance, procrastination, and perfectionism? You are not alone! I used to struggle too!
Whatever it is that you have been avoiding, putting off, or procrastinating, I know you can do it. The first step, GETTING STARTED is always the hardest. Commit to showing up, as I did, and after a while, it gets easier, and after another while, it feels natural and normal. ✔️ ✔️✔️
I've been there and I got myself out of there one step at a time.
I know you can do it too. Want some help and guidance from me? Great news! I'm having a spring coaching special. Schedule here.
Want to hear the funny story of that auto-correct mistake that haunted me for years?
Watch here:
Have a magical day and remember, stop playing small.
The world is waiting for your gifts. xo
Beth
Ready to work with a coach? I'm having a Spring Coaching Special. Schedule a one-time laser strategy session with me here. We'll work together to get your project launched, get your work seen in the world, or clear the blocks that have been stopping you.
Hey, Girl, THIS IS YOUR TIME.
Let's do this.
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