Do it afraid

As an avid reader, I find inspiration in many places and lately there's been a recurring theme in the books I'm choosing and rediscovering. It's not lost on me that timing is divine and since this message has been getting louder and louder for me, I figured someone else may benefit from it as well. 

The world is waiting for you. 

Your tribe is waiting for you. 

They want to hear your thoughts and point of view. 

They need your guidance and inspiration to get them through a storm. 

You are just right. 

Don't hesitate.

Start today, no matter how small your start may feel. 

When you hesitate to get started, it's easy to notice how many people are doing something similar and it can feel like 'what's the point', but your people are waiting to meet you. No one can offer the perspective you have. No one else has had your experience, even when there are similarities. Your hesitation is rooted in fear and it would behoove you to use that fear as fuel. No one wants to see the perfected, censored version of who you think you should be. Not even you! We want to go along with you on the journey and watch you learn from all the lessons that are assigned to you. What is one small step you can take today? Start there.

Delay creates delay. 

Delayed gratification.

Delayed alignment. 

Delayed joy. 

Do it afraid and make changes as you go. By taking the first step you begin to create momentum towards your goal. Each action builds upon the first and before you know it you are closer than you thought possible. It's okay to share your fears with those you trust. It's powerful to be vulnerable enough to not only share those fears with your broader audience, but also share how you managed to keep going in spite of fear. Ultimately, you will be able to demonstrate how you overcame your fear as well.

Here's the key lesson in all of this, once you prove to yourself that you are capable of overcoming fear, you are immediately more powerful. Exercising your ability to overcome adversity is very similar to achieving any physical personal record. The very first time you run a mile with your best time ever, you have discovered your ability to do it again. You quickly learn that the process can be repeated in any circumstance. The biggest hurdle is always the mental challenge. You must be able to silence the negative self talk and replace it with affirming thoughts, words and actions.

Here are two great books I would recommend, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. (this will always be a recommendation from me) and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon (take this one with you anywhere, it's a quick read). Look for inspiration, it's all around you.

*Written post vacation, with a full tank of optimism!