Roughly two weeks ago I was at Ohio State University presenting at its Student Parent Support Symposium, delivering a 75-minute presentation on “Empowering young mothers to tell their own stories.” The purpose was for young parents to be encouraged to take ownership of their lives and feel the power of writing about their journey.
I’ve been working on this for the past month and a half, wondering if I’ll ever feel like I’m “ready.” I sent out the proposal with crossed fingers and lo and behold, they accepted my proposal. It was time to deliver.
I had to take a minute to remind you of how wonderful things can be when you step out on faith. Because I submitted that proposal, I have the attention of a whole lot of people who could mean big things for my business. As I’ve written before, I struggle with insecurity and self-doubt, but not as much as before.
My key to becoming a wiser, stronger, better person is to say YES to the things that scare me. An emphatic YES.
Speaking in front of hundreds of people? I’d rather be hit by lightning but YES, I’ll do it.
Leading a workshop with teen moms? I think I might throw up but YES, I’m in.
Being a guest speaker on a radio program broadcast to hundreds of thousands of listeners? Whew, it’s hot in here but YES, I will be there.
I used to wonder when I’d feel “ready.” But now I realize most people AREN’T ready when their big break comes along. They’re scared, just like I am half the time. They’re feeling unprepared, just like I am. They’re feeling overwhelmed and are questioning their luck.
So do things that scare you. Reach for a goal you think you might not quite be ready for, whether it’s applying for college, talking to your boss about a open position at the company you work for, or researching how to start that side business you’ve been thinking about for the past few years.
Acknowledge that you’re scared and tell yourself that it’s okay. The best things in life are scary. But they are so worth it.
If we waited until we were “ready” we’d be waiting a long long time. Amazing things have happened to you, not by chance, you created these opportunities for yourself and your family because you were willing to put yourself on the line even though you weren’t sure how things would turn out. And look? Tara your worry paid off and I hope it has made you more confident and aware that you don’t have to be scared!
I’m so guilty of not going after things because I keep telling myself that I’m not ready. Despite all the success from YUMMommy, I can’t help feel like I’m not enough sometimes when it comes to taking a chance on certain things. However, this past Sunday, I was reminded that there is no such thing as the perfect timing and that faith is all about taking leaps and chances even if we’re not ready. So, I’m ready to start doing a lot of leaping as the rest of this year unfolds!
AMEN! I totally agree. One thing that I’ve always said before anything “BIG” was about to take place for me (winning a scholarship to columbia, moving on campus, my first day as an elementary school teacher, moving into my first apartment, having Aiden) or whenever I was going after something “BIG” (the interview for my scholarship, the interview for my first job, and second job, and third job, grad school, starting a blog, public speaking), I’d ALWAYS say to myself, “I’m as ready as I’m gonna be.”
And you know what?
I put my best foot forward (even if/when I’m scared) and I rock it out as best as I can.
And you know what?
It usually has a great outcome.