I’m out there. And, it’s scary AF.

Every time I hit publish on a new blog post, I. AM. SCURRED!

Will anybody care? Will anyone read it? Will I look like a fool? When I hit go live on Facebook or share a new piece of my story on Instagram, I feel instant regret. I think people are saying ‘Who does she think she is?”, “Is she supposed to be some kind of motivational speaker now?”, “Who made her the expert?”, “She’s wearing those earrings again?” (Its true, I wear my favorite earrings nearly everyday. Good thing I’m not a fashion blogger ? )

My husband then has to talk me off the ledge for the next 24 hours.

So, why do I do it? Because I’m so passionate about helping people recognize how dope they are and how much they have to give to the world! I want to give them the tools they need to shine.

I’m just starting this journey and it’s scary. I’ve panicked more than once.

But I keep showing up because I know that the things I’ve learned would be helpful for other people too, and I want to share it.

If I can do it, you can too. And, here’s why you should:

People don’t know who you are and what you are capable of doing until you show them. Once people know what you can do and that you’re looking for opportunities to share your skills— you will start to gain traction. (I got a speaking gig I have been secretly wanting , AFTER I published my first blog post.)

There’s no sense in having these hidden talents nobody knows about. Your phone will never ring for that opportunity unless you show people what you can do, and ask for opportunities to do it. Or create opportunities to do it).

Putting yourself out there, over time, gives you courage. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets. Those live videos? Good Lord, my first one I could hardly breathe during or even after I finished it!

Getting the opportunities to do big things requires having some credibility, and you can’t build credibility unless you step outside of your comfort zone. If you’re asking for opportunities and they can’t go somewhere to see your past work, they won’t call you back. Show them you’re legit. Nobody’s going to just take your word for it – that puts their reputation on the line.

One of the worst things you can do is live life with regret. I’m not going to look back at my life when I’m 80 and say I coulda, woulda, shoulda. I’m going to take what I was given and do something with it.

In The Art of Work, Jeff Goins says “Not until you find something you can do to the point of exhaustion, to the extent that you almost hate it but can return to it tomorrow, have you found something worth pursuing.”

I want my life to represent someone who went after what she wanted.

Go after what you want too.