Borrowed Confidence: How to Show Up Before You’re Ready
I have been struggling with what to write about this week. I once heard there’s no such thing as writer's block. If you can speak, you can write. I appreciate the truth in that statement!
One of the perks of being a journalist is that I continue to be in rooms and on email lists with other journalists from around the globe who are looking for quotes from thought leaders. One email I receive has daily queries from reporters and freelance writers working on stories. If I have a client who can answer the query, I’ll forward it on. Sometimes I answer them from my own experience. I have been featured, which was thrilling. It’s the ole ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you’ if they like an answer.
Today I answered two. Don't laugh at this next statement. Answering both was a little scary. Wait, what? Scary? That is so silly, Michelle !! Yeah, I know, but it's still true.
We ALL feel this way when we put ourselves out there. Yep, I put myself out there as a possible quote for Forbes. Maybe the writer will like how I answered the questions, maybe he won’t. Point is, I did it. Maybe the writer for Build Book Buzz will like how I answered her questions, maybe she won’t. I still did it.
Here’s the encouraging part: there’s confidence that comes in putting yourself out there. Leap, send the email, ask, do the post, make the connection, jump off the cliff.
Whatever you are wrestling, are too scared to do, or are waiting until you feel confident, my hack is *BORROW* confidence. Borrow confidence from another experience and DO the thing. I borrowed confidence from when I asked CBS National News to do a story, and I answered an inquiry for Forbes. Who am I to pitch to Forbes? I am a confident woman who has pitched to national outlets before and been successful. Let me tap into that confidence and send this email. Here’s the best part. Regardless of whether I am chosen or not, I did it! I did the hard thing! The next time I have something hard to do, I will have confidence from today to borrow.
Been holding back on putting yourself out there? Let’s talk about how to take that first step — together.
No one likes the feeling of wandering aimlessly.
Memorable Results Media regularly comes alongside small businesses as a guide in supporting business owners craft their own roadmap. If this sounds like a great idea but you are at maximum capacity, drop me an email at michelle@memorableresultsmedia.com
I’d love to hear from you!
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