Over the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking about courage and the importance of not allowing fear to keep you from pursuing your dreams. Many people want to do things but may not pursue them if they don’t see the perfect circumstances to accomplish it. How can we get past being scared and make meaningful progress in our lives? Does it really matter if you do?
Something to keep in mind is that everyone is scared. Just because something is done it doesn’t mean that person had the perfect circumstances or even knew exactly what they were doing. They just did not allow that fear to stop them. So many successful people started companies with no idea how to run a major corporation, or manufacture a product but they started and learned as they went. Take a listen to podcasts like Guy Roz’s “How I built this” to be inspired by former novices that turned their ideas into things we use each day.
Last week, I had the great privilege of traveling to Chicago for The Curvy Girl Conference. I wanted to meet up with bloggers that might be able to help me as I am developing my blog. So I went. Alone. I know 2 people in Chicago and I knew absolutely no bloggers there. I was determined to go and give it my best shot. Yes, it is intimidating going to a city that you are not from alone. It is intimidating to approach successful bloggers with tens of thousands of followers and tell them how much you admire them when you are a newbie in the blogging field. While all of that is so I am determined to keep growing this blog and sharing great content with you. So I had to go. I had to give it my best effort. While I was there I met extraordinary people who are doing extraordinary things. Let me tell you about one of them.
The founder of Curvy Girl Conference
The founder of The Curvy Girl Conference is named Natasha. She started this conference alone. This was her first year having it. She put together a full day of panels on branding, marketing, modeling, castings and blogging with top influencers and modeling agencies and stylists from around the country.
Blogging and social media influencers at the conference
What are the chances that she was scared? Probably 150%. What if no one bought a ticket. What if no one would agree to speak? What if she couldn’t find a venue…What if…What if she never had that conference? Many women that are chasing their dreams would not have had a place to go to share info or share encouragement. I wouldn’t have met my favorite blogger and been so inspired by her to keep working and sharing content.
Meeting Hayet Rida was a highlight of the weekend for me
I would not have met so many other women who are working hard to reach their goals and make their dreams realities.
There will absolutely always be a what if factor to anything, but if you step out and try you can be the one that impacts someone’s life or makes your dream a success. I cannot thank Natasha enough for having the courage to step out even if she was scared. She made a real impact on my life and on this blog which is a huge part of my dream.
A lot of the time, I am scared to do something but the motivation that I have is always what the future can be for me and my family if I just give it my best attempt. I hope that you will do the same. Take that trip alone, go to the event even if you don’t know anyone. Start that business, apply for that job, or step out and pursue your dream. I bet you will feel better that you gave it your best shot instead of looking back and saying, man, I wish I gave that a try.
Be scared. Do it anyway. – Carrie Fisher.
xo Danie
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xo Danie
Thank you for writing this today. I am always working with fear as I work on promoting myself. When do I know when I’m doing it right? That’s always my worry.
Author
You may not do things perfectly but when you start you can start making changes as you learn. Everyone evolves as they go. You can do it too.
I’m struggling a lot in the last period with the fears in my head that I inflicted on myself. Thank you for sharing this with us!! xx
Tadeja
http://www.happynami.com/october-outfits-recap/
Author
Negative thoughts can be very harsh. Maybe next time you hear them, tell yourself 2 positive things. The more you hear that is positive the more you can quiet negative self-talk. I hope that helps
inspirational! I hate that what if feeling but sometimes i regretted my actions. I did travel alone and that was great, though scary before leaving
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
Author
It is scary to travel alone but a good plan can take you far. Take a look at this post for tips on traveling alone…How to travel alone
You’re so right. Fear prevents us from doing all sorts of things. We always worry about the ‘what ifs’ but that’s such a waste of time as they never happen!
Well done on pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and for being brave. Now that you’ve done this there’s nothing stopping you from trying something else!
Author
You are right Lucy fear can keep you from so much but Fear is not going to do anything me but motivate me to fight. Let’s go!
This looks like the most fun ever, and you look drop dead gorgeous!
xxx
Thank you for sharing your courage, Danie! It sounds like you were able to put yourself out there and make new connections that will serve you and others well. Great job!
Amazing post! I applaud you for taking the leap and going to the conference. I am always overthinking and doubting myself to the point I talk myself out of going to many events. I’m hoping in the upcoming year, I make these changes to take the next step. xx
Author
Sounds great and in preparation for the next year maybe plan for an event in the next couple months to go to alone even if for 30 minutes. Then you will be even more prepared for next year.
That is amazing, and such and inspiration! Your words can definitely have a play in every area of life as well! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and wise words.
Author
Thanks so much for commenting Michelle. I am so glad you liked the post and felt inspired. I hope you are running after your dreams too 🙂
Loved reading this. It’s so motivational and inspirational and ah, just pure love 🙂
Author
Its hard right, cuz things are intimidating but we have to get it done. We can do whatever we put our minds too.
I love this! Being a new travel blogger. this is very encouraging. I went to a seminar yesterday but wasn’t brave enough to stay back for networking. I think I just need to do it!
myfootrpintsaroundtheglobe.com
Author
You can definitely do it. I have some pointers on networking in this post:
Very inspirational view point. It’s great for anyone to remember that sometimes you have to step a little outside of your comfort zone to expand the borders of that zone. It sounds like you had a lot of fun at the conference.
Girl, you are brave! Good for you for stepping out and going to Chicago by yourself! OMG I don’t know if I could ever do that! But yes, I know, do it anyway. I really love the idea of a conference like this and I didn’t know it even existed! I think it’s awesome that you were able to connect with other people who are striving to meet their goals just like you are 🙂 Loved it. Thanks for sharing. And PS, I subscribed 😉
Author
Kristi I am sure you could do it. We can do absolutely anything if we want it enough. Thanks so much for subscribing. I appreciate it!
This is definitely what I needed to read. I always let fear get in the way.
We are so hard on ourselves, and then feel the need to live up to someone else’s expectations is the sour cherry on top. Fantastic post! Loved the community and love vibe! <3
I hear ya on this one!!! I am so out of my comfort zone by starting up a blog…I am just focusing on progress and not perfection…essentially like you said, doing it scared!!!
Author
That is pretty awesome Melissa. That would probably be my favorite thing I learned during this journey. Keep working even if it is not perfect. Do the best you can and move forward.
Good job girl! I love your title. Its true though.. Its better to try and see whats gonna happen even if you’re scared rather than remain scared all your life not knowing what’s on the other side. Thanks for sharing!
Great Inspiration ! Much needed one .. Love it Thanks for sharing
I’ve been debating whether or not to go to an event I’ve been invited to recently – I won’t know anyone there and I’d be attending alone! But after reading this I know you are completely right that we should embrace fear and face it head on – thank you so much xx
Author
Bry I am so excited for you. Please tell me how your event goes! I know you are gonna kill this event. I promise you that you will be so proud of yourself and will open the doors for you to do even more in the future!
Absolutely agree with this. “Be scared, do it anyways.” Otherwise you’ll just be wishing one day you did.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can definitely be scary and difficult. Congratulations to you for being able to do his and share it with everyone 🙂
Life is all about taking chances and stepping out of your comfort zone! I’m so glad you had a great time at the conference and overcame any scared feelings or doubt!
Sondra xx
prettyfitfoodie.com
This means the world to me. I’m so super late but it’s never too late to show gratitude. Thank you for your kind words and I am so glad to have inspired at least one person. My job is done, so we don’t need to have another conference this year. LOL Just kidding. I live for people like you! You’re amazing!