Being an avid reader and keen observer I take note in what has brought others’ succes. Not just when it comes to making money online or getting paid to write, but in life in general. The common denominator to success? Willingness to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
On Monday I disclosed how I am now going about trying to find paid writing gigs. What I didn’t tell you is that giving out my phone number and then trying to sell my services (writing), puts my nerves on edge. When the phone rings and I see a phone number I don’t know my heart starts pounding. Email will always be my preferred method of communication, but some people want a phone call.
My nervousness about these phone conversations may seem minute to you, but for me they are uncomfortable. This is probably an uncomfortableness that will go away with a little practice but never the less it’s still an uncomfortableness.
Name Your Goals
Without goals, you won’t find any success. How can you be successful when you don’t even know what you are working toward?
If you want something more but always do what you have always done, then you will always get what you have always gotten. It’s simple really (not easy, but simple) if you have a goal to accomplish you have to test the waters and see what gets you the closest to accomplishing that goal.
Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
“The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.” -Dale Carnegie
The 4-Hour Workweek
The point of this exercise? Getting used to putting yourself in awkward situations. It’s a small step outside of your comfort zone.
Afraid to Fail?
I can whole heartedly say that I am no longer afraid to fail. At one time the fear of failure did hold me back from trying new things, but now I just brush my shoulders off.
Everyone will not like you or what you are trying to do. This is not to say they will dislike you, you just may not be a good fit. Failure is a learning tool, not the end of the world.
Is your comfort zone keeping you from success?
I despise talking in the phone. Will do anything to avoid it. I thought I was the only one.
You aren’t the only one! I just get really nervous when the phone starts ringing but once I got past the initial “how are you” I tend to ease up a bit.
You make some great points. One thing I started doing was when I made a goal for myself I would tell other people about it. This made it seem real, as I had now said it out loud, and it held me accountable. When people would ask “How is your novel coming along?” I wanted to have an update for them so it ispired me to work regularly. In the beginning I was afraid to voice my plans or goals to others now I use it as a tool to accomplish things.
That’s a great way to accomplish a goal. I will usually tell people who I am really close with, but that’s only a select few. It would definitely be motivation to accomplish the goal and a step outside of my comfort zone.
I find it amusing that people who potentially want to pay you to write will want to talk to you on the phone! I would want to see how you handle yourself in email, then maybe talk on the phone with you.
While I like talking, I would also prefer email, because then I can get back to you when I want to. I can deal with it when it works into my schedule.
Thanks for this, you have me thinking…
Yeah me too. But I guess the phone conversations maybe make you seem more legitmate? I don’t know. I have had two this week and they weren’t as bad as I thought they would be, but I still prefer email!
Your post captures the issue perceftly!
Well put, sir, well put. I’ll certainly make note of that.
That’s not even 10 minutes well spent!