You might be surprised to hear this, but I’ve always been somewhat shy.
And I was often afraid to try things for fear of failing.
Looking back, it’s funny how these childhood fears and insecurities stayed with me as I became an adult.
In today’s short podcast episode, I share my story to demonstrate that you can overcome a fear of failure by taking smart, calculated risks.
And while you may feel like you’re flying too close the sun when you take those risks… you actually have more room than you think.
The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe in iTunes to get this show delivered straight to the Podcasts app on your smart phone, tablet or iPod.
I’m very thankful for my sales career.
It forced me to take calculated risks every day. Talking to people terrified me because they would probably say no. But I had to do it for my job.
At one point, that fear turned into depression. I’m not sure how mild or severe it was, but it was very debilitating.
What helped me get out of that funk was a set of audio tapes from the late motivational speaker Jim Rohn (a mentor of Tony Robbins and many others).
With the help of those tapes, I started leaning into my fears.
Eventually, I landed an order with a huge company.
It’s hard for me to explain how much courage and persistence it took for me to land that order.
Just thinking about it brings back feelings of fear and inner resistance!
But I did it. And that win fueled my confidence so I could approach other prospects I had been avoiding.
My results improved dramatically.
And I was put a fast-track path to management.
What does all this have to do with your writing business?
Fear is getting in your way right now. I know it is.
It happens to all of us, every day.
But the more risks you take, the less risky it feels to take the next risk.
The more risks you take, the less risky it feels to take the next risk.
That’s why I’m such a big proponent of taking smart, calculated risks. Not because of the financial rewards but because of the person you become when you push out of your comfort zone.
Of course, if you push too far, you could fall prey to hubris and foolish pride.
So you have to be careful. You want to keep inching your way up that curve of personal growth… without flying too close to the sun.
Then again, most of us don’t fly anywhere close.
You’ve got more room than you think.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Grab a copy of my book for ESTABLISHED writers.
You’ll discover a different way to think about your challenges during this crisis. Plus you’ll get clear recommendations to get you through the storm safely … and to come out the other side stronger than ever. — Click Here
2. Download a free copy of my book for writers who are NEW TO FREELANCING.
I’ll show you the 3 things you need to do to get your business off the ground safely and land your first paying client faster. — Click Here
3. Join my implementation program and be a case study.
I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’d like to work with me to grow your income quickly with better clients (and become one of my new success stories) … just hit reply and put “Case Study” in the subject line.
4. Work with me privately.
If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Just hit reply, put “Breakthrough” in the subject line, and I’ll back to you with more details.
