I took off the month of November from blogging to focus on my fiction writing. Fiction wasn't the only distraction in November. Actually, since last year, I became a news junkie all the way through November 8th as I spent much of my time following election coverage. Even now I have to limit my time listening to the radio or watching coverage of cabinet appointments and media bias and everything else threatening to drive me out of my tree. It's finally over, and I need to get back to my life.
When I first started thinking about another blog I needed to figure out what I had to offer the world. I totally believe we all have something to offer. Some of us are encouraging or inspiring or clever or organized or great with finances or excellent chefs, and we have lots of things we can teach someone else. Many of us do not have something that clear cut. I doubt anyone reading this blog is ever going to run for president. It isn't likely we'll cure cancer or perform any other medical breakthrough to benefit mankind. Regardless, we all have things to offer. Any of us can offer a smile or a kind word or a gentle touch.
Even with my first post to Ready, Set, Go! I was bombarded by doubts on all sides that I didn't have anything to offer. Give it a try sometime. Believe for a moment you are halfway decent at something and you can teach someone else how to do that thing. Then sit back and wait for the doubts and negativity to come.
They won't just come from your inner critic. Put it out there that you want to coach Little League or write a book about the history of your state or teach people to save money or live on a budget or house train puppies. You will realize pretty quickly there are thousands already out there doing what you think you're good at, and doing it a heck of a lot better than you ever could. And if you don't realize it on your own, somebody will tell you quick, fast, and in a hurry.
I want to encourage you to ignore the critics--real or imagined. You have something to offer. Maybe you're not the best money manager with a book for sale online. Maybe Warren Buffett does not turn to you for investing advice. Maybe you haven't made any medical breakthroughs or taught someone in a third world country to read. None of that matters. You still have something to offer. We mustn't let our fears & doubts define who we are.
I have a friend who has a chance at a big promotion at work. She's been talking about moving up in her field for about two years. The promotion would force her to step out of her comfort zone. She will need additional training. She will have to deal with responsibilities she currently passes off to her boss. What if she takes the new position and she doesn't like it as much as what she's doing now? What if she can't survive the training? What if she fails? Legitimate concerns to be sure. But she was designed for this job. It is truly a calling. What if she doesn't fail? What if she is a huge success and the new position brings her a lifetime of fulfillment and contentment?
My concern for my friend is that she is allowing fear to make this tough decision for her. What a sad way to make a life decision. Or rather, avoid making a decision. That's how many of us handle doubts and rejections. We push them aside and until the opportunity passes. If she truly doesn't want the position because it isn't right for her, or she doesn't want a full time workweek, or she doesn't want to deal with the commute, then that's fine. It's her life. Of course, we must weigh all our options and how they may change our lives. But we can't let fear of failure make those decisions for us.
What decision are you facing now that you are allowing fear or doubts influence? It may have nothing to do with work or a dormant dream. It may be something with a loved one. Or a relocation. Whatever it is--however you feel compelled to step out of your comfort zone--ignore the naysayers and do what you are called to do.
