Taking The First Step
What if it doesn’t work?
What if no one will see the vision?
How can I grow this…?
Whatever your version of “what if’s” are. We can all fall victim to it at some point in life. I have been in the land of “what ifs” and uncertainty due to the effects of COVID19 on the entertainment industry. I’ve heard the industry will take over a year to truly recover. All types of thoughts can run my mind at any time.
Despite the uncertainty, I have learned to embrace the opportunity to start over. It may not be a complete start over. It’s about setting a new foundation for growth, profit, and sustainability. In the beginning years of LuxeGiving, I was just trying to make it. I did not have the pleasure of financing or loans. The first 6 years were all self-financed.
Being faced with this new chapter, I have felt like all of the emoticons at any time throughout the entire day. Can you relate?
I understand how taking the first step can seem scary. Our flesh wants to know everything will work out. Our heart wants to feel safety and security. The first step requires faith. I know! I know! It sounds cheesy and predictable. Even with it feeling predictable, it’s an area that we can all feel challenged at any part of our lives.
It’s important to understand why you are scared. Self-inventory is a key part to taking the first step. People often say to not share your dreams with other people due to them talking you out of it. The reality is that we talk ourselves out of our dreams faster than other people. My suggestion is really getting real with yourself. Asking yourself “why am I scared?”, “whats the biggest impact on my life by not giving a try?” It can feel easier to blame others on our lack of action. In reality, it can be our mindset and fear stopping us from moving forward.
Once you get clear about “why” you want to pursue your new endeavor, I like to set up a support system that plays an integral part. Believe me… I get it!!! Everyone won’t support you… blah blah blah. We all need a support system. It may be a mentor, coach, a business associate, or friend. The support system should not be a person that will only tell you what you want to hear or let you quit. My coach tells me some harsh yet needed advice. I’ve learned to not take honesty as an attack when it comes from someone that genuinely wants to see you win.
My coach loves to encourage me to create tangible goals. Tangible goals are not easy nor unrealistic goals. I love setting goals that will require me to be present and show up. I rather set a goal for myself that requires a little stretching than one that will not challenge me. If you do not hit the goal, you still surpass the easy goal set. One tip learned in direct sales is creating a daily method of operation. It is a task list of things needed to occur daily to hit your goal. I highly recommend trying a system or tracking process to keep you present as to why you took the first step.
Lastly, I am a journal girl. If you follow my Instagram account, you have likely seen a picture from my Sunday planning sessions. Planners and journal entries are a key piece to my sanity. I have found so much power from keeping ideas, thoughts, and concerns outside of my head. The longer things are running the course in my mind, the bigger the mental spiral. I can find myself in the land of average and fears. Honoring your mental health can play a major role in how much you play full out or allow the fear mongers to take your dreams.
The first step can seem daunting. The best ways to combat the fear is self-evaluation, setting up a support system, creating tangible goals and journaling your thoughts. Embracing the first step will truly produce unbelievable results in your life. The first step will not kill you. Not taking the first step will kill your dreams.
I need to see your dreams come into reality. What’s one of your current goals?