Well here we go. This blog is officially live. I’m diving into something new.
My waving commitment to share my ideas, mishaps and insights in a way the whole world can see has been dragging on for quite some time. “Thanks, inner critic” (note the sarcasm).
However, this deterrence had a silver lining. This process has taught me a lot about myself, or rather, confirmed what I was already learning about myself. The ebbs and flows of launching a blog have solidified an understanding of my process when starting something new. Invigorating phases of motivation and excitement were occasionally followed by fearful notions of doubt and disinterest which has been a historical sequence of mine.
After recognizing and reflecting on this particular process of starting a blog, I’ve discovered five insights I now have a deeper understanding of when it comes to taking a leap and diving into something new.
- I NEED TIME • I need time to process my purpose, explore ideas and gain new ideas and perspectives about a new endeavor. I spent time researching and exploring blogging etiquette, jargon and best practices. The research and learning phase is a part of the process I enjoy but I have learned to recognize when I get caught up in it and use “I have to gather more information” as an excuse to not take any further action to fulfill my ideas. Research and exploration can only last so long before taking the first step. As the endeavor continues, more research and learning can take place as needed.
- CONNECTION & ACCOUNTABILITY ARE KEY • Especially in doubtful and demotivating moments. I’ve been blessed to be a part of a network of leaders within my community – one of sharing, support and accountability. Simply being in the same room with like-minded people who you know will encourage and support your dreams can launch you out of a lackluster lull and bring back the flame to keep moving forward.
- DISCERNING PURPOSE OR EXCUSE • Throughout the last eight months, I’ve had to consciously discern whether I wasn’t moving beyond the research and exploration phase of launching a blog because I was truly considering whether it was a viable, committed, purposeful new venture for me at this point in my life, or if it was because I was fearful of moving forward. Would the investment be worth it? Could I move beyond the technical learning curves of having my own website? Would I commit to making time to create meaningful, authentic, helpful content? Since the excitement and unlimited potential around starting my own blog kept resurfacing, I knew some of my hesitations were simply excuses.
- RECOGNIZING MY INNER CRITIC • During the past few years, I’ve learned that often times excuses are created by our own inner critics – sneaky little gremlins inside our minds that point out any imaginable negative aspect, potential failure, limiting belief, debilitating doubt and any other discouraging, demotivating feeling…if you let it. I recognized my excuses as my inner critic rather than my true reality. Kicking your inner critic to the curb makes room for limitless thoughts of positivity and potential.
- MY PROCESS IS MINE • My process does not need to be the same as someone else’s process. Others may not need or want to spend as much time researching and exploring a new idea before jumping to action. Some may gain motivation by individual reflection rather than by connecting with others. That’s okay. We’re all our own person. Our own firework.
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So here it is. This is me. This is me being authentic, vulnerable, happy, quirky and fulfilled. I hope my words encourage and inspire others to do the same because the world needs more of these things.
The launch-my-blog step is complete and it feels good. I look forward to who I will connect with, where I will go and what I will learn as part of this adventure.
What are your next steps to harness your spark and fulfill your passion? Share in the comments below.
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