5 years. 6 tries.
That is the amount of time it has taken me to finally launch my blog. I’ve known for about 5 years now that I wanted to start writing and sharing my vision with other people.
I attempted to start a blog 5 times. (The 6th being what you see now) lol.
I figured “Who wants to hear what I have to say anyway?” “What is the point? I don’t even know if I have any talents or gifts.”
Not Good At Anything
A lot people often say that to find your purpose, you should think of something you are naturally good at and you will be well on your way to finding what you are called to do.
While that is mostly true, some people just don’t feel like they are good at anything.
I was one of those people.
I’d often hear “You are so encouraging Ash, you always know just what to say.”
I started thinking, “Is my purpose to encourage others? But wait, that is hardly even a talent. Anyone could do that.”
What I hadn’t realized until recently (around the time back in May when I finally launched this site) was that while there may be hundreds even thousands of people who are pursuing or already successful at the very thing you are trying to do, THEY ARE NOT YOU.
This truth shifted my entire perspective.
Putting Fear Aside
This made me wonder if there were other people going through the same thing.
After talking to quite a few friends and family, I started to see a pattern. A lot of people had become comfortable and stopped believing in their dream. For various reasons.
- Not enough time in the day.
- Family issues.
- Health issues.
- Fear of judgment…. and the list goes on.
But MOSTLY, it was the fear of failing that made people afraid to step out.
Is there something you’ve been wanting to do for a longggggg time, but have put it off, continuously procrastinating and telling yourself it’s too late? Or convincing yourself it’ll never happen because of what your life looks like right now.
If that is where you are in your journey, I want to help. Here are a 5 tips that proved to be very helpful in giving me the push I needed to start pursuing my goals!
1.Write & Visualize
Take some time to write down your dream, goals & something you’ve been wanting to achieve, but have been too afraid to try. Write it down in a journal or somewhere you will see it everyday. Visualize yourself as someone who is already there. What is that person like? What is their day to day life like? It may feel foolish or pointless at first, but THE MIND IS POWERFUL! Nothing is impossible and if you can see yourself in that place, you can certainly get there. Even if it takes time.
2. Strengthen your knowledge & skills.
Research whatever it is you are interested in. Acquire as much knowledge as you can in that area. There is a quote that says “The expert in anything was once a beginner.” This couldn’t be more true! This part is usually the most frustrating because it is the point where our motivation starts off very high, but when we see the effort, time, and patience it takes to learn something new, it can feel very discouraging. BUT, this is the bridge that you absolutely MUST cross to start seeing results. This bridge is scary, sometimes unstable, but when you finally get across you will be happy you kept moving forward!
3. Be honest with yourself.
I believe that each of us must be our own number one fan & biggest supporter. However, we should also strive to be the most honest with ourselves. By this I mean, consider whether you are truly doing your part to achieve the things you dream of. & I say YOUR part because life is unpredictable. The only thing we have control over are the choices we make and what we choose to give our time and energy to. Ask yourself this question…
“I really wish things would change. But am I doing anything to change them?”
To be honest, this was a really hard question for me to answer… but once I was completely honest with myself, I realized that I really wasn’t trying or giving my best.
4. Invest in yourself.
By this, I don’t necessarily mean monetarily, but anything that is truly worth it, will almost always require your time, energy, and effort. Professional athletes practice for hours a day, singers and dancers rehearse & practice routines over and over until they’ve got it just right. Actors/actresses audition for so many roles, at times hearing more “no’s” than anything else. But they continue auditioning anyway, with the very real possibility of facing rejection once again.
To become the best at something, you have to practice and give it effort. I know that realistically many of us are super busy with work, life family, school etc.. but it is important that we take at least 30 mins – 1 hour a day dedicated to learning, building, and working toward our dreams. It will pay off.
5. Do not compare your path to anyone else’s.
Think of your dreams and goals. I can guarantee that there are hundreds, thousands maybe even millions of other people who want to / have achieved what you are trying to. But here is the difference, THEY ARE NOT YOU. We each have our own unique stories. There are people whose lives will be changed by you deciding to follow your own path and sharing your truth. Don’t try to be like anyone else.
Be yourself, that is what will set you aside from others.
There are people who will seem like they are so much further ahead in life than you are. But remember that you are exactly where you need to be. (Even if it doesn’t seem that way).
Also, remember that we hardly ever see the “behind the scenes” of someone’s journey. We don’t see the tears. Frustration. Failures. The paths that did not work, but redirected them to something better. Never compare your truth to an curated image of perfection. Instead, find people who inspire you.
Keep this in mind,
These tips aren’t intended to solve the very real struggles of self-doubt, insecurity, and fear, but rather to give you a new perspective. I am not sure where you are in your journey, but I do know that there IS something you are good at that deserves to be nourished and given more of your time. Even if it seems like that something is small or insignificant – you need to know that there is space for you.
Be Afraid & Do it Anyway
I am still very new at this blogging thing, but I am glad I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone and share MY unique voice, with you. Since starting this blog, I have met so many amazing people and made connections that I never imagined possible for myself.
Stop letting fear (or anything else) keep you from pursuing your dreams and goals. Take that step out of your comfort zone! I’m certain you’ll start seeing positive changes in your life once you do. I’d love to hear about your goals & where you are in life currently!
Be blessed & remember that you are loved,
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
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