Summer will soon be here and at least once during that time my family likes to go visit an amusement park. The kids (and my husband, the biggest kid of them all) love almost all the rides, liking some more than others whether it's a water ride, a fast ride or something that completely jolts them all over the place. I see them get off the rides with the immediate response "that was awesome, I want to do it again." I think to myself - why? It's clear to me that I am a very mentally tough person, I've been able to handle some pretty tough things in my life. So why is it that I can't seem to embrace and get over my fear of heights and roller coasters? Why have I become the designated water bottle holder as I wait and then watch my family enjoy these crazy rides? Why can't I just do it?
Intellectually speaking, I know nothing bad is going to happen to me and they all seem to really enjoy the experience of these rides. I find myself in the days leading up to our trip telling myself "I can do it and that it will be fun." But when we get there, something happens to me, my legs start shaking, my heart starts pounding and my head keeps replaying the same LOUD message "don't do it!" Having a complete breakdown while strapped into a roller coaster with no way off is not my idea of fun.
I liken this feeling of fear to the way I felt when I decided to venture out on my own to start my business and even more so when I first decided to start blogging. I faced those demon questions that many new bloggers (perhaps you) feel:
- Will people accept me and my ideas?
- Will I be criticized and how will I handle it?
- Will people think my ideas are stupid?
After thinking about those questions I soon remembered a valuable lesson I had learned as a child in school, no idea, answer or question is stupid. I thought why not put myself out there and learn new things it worked for me in school and it surely could work in my new business and with blogging. Guess what, I've discovered it has!
Sure starting a new venture or facing your fears (whatever they are) is quite scary and intimidating but what are the alternatives? While I'm not certain just yet that I will venture out on that roller coaster this summer, I am certain that I will keep facing my fears and uncertainties when it comes to becoming a better business owner and blogger. I will keep at my blog, finding ways to make it better (thanks for the ProBlogger challenge.) I will continue reading and commenting on the great posts out here to learn and create relationships that matter. I will engage on social media sites and know that it can and does make a difference to my business. I will keep perfecting my skills and my business by completely putting myself out there, facing my fears and taking chances.
I think once you take that leap into blogging you too will be saying "that was awesome, I want to do it again!" You'll also realize nothing bad is going to happen and that there is a place for youin the blogging world and it wasn't that scary afterall.
What are you afraid of in life or in regards to blogging?
How do you plan to test your limits and overcome your fears?
If you're a newbie blogger, I strongly encourage you to leave a comment on this post, or find a few by visiting the blog board today. That's right, jump in and get started on your blogging experience, you will be very happy that you did - I promise!
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Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009
Anne Marie: I'm responding to your blog and trying to get my ten in every day. You're right it's great practice and helps get your feet wet. Wrighting the blogs as well but not as regularly as I should. Thanks for the great post.
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