It’s the start of the New Year.
You’ve gotten clear on the vision and goals you want to achieve for 2014.
However, as the year progresses, you realise there’s no way you’re going to achieve your goals – by a long shot.
Has this ever happened to you?
Why? What went wrong?
In my own experience and from what I’ve seen with many women business owners – it’s because of doubt.
Doubt!
Here are three ways that doubt will take you out of the running to achieve your goals if you’re not careful.
1. Not Showing Up
Are you hiding your authentic and unique characteristics, because you’re afraid of judgement and someone not liking or appreciating the ‘real’ you?
Or are you hiding out and/or playing small when it comes to marketing your message (either face-to-face or online) because you don’t want to open yourself up to criticism or nasty comments (i.e. the tall poppy syndrome) by someone who has nothing better to do than to tear people down?
Not showing up in either of these ways (or in any other way for that matter) because you fear what people will say – will take you out.
Like not attending a networking event that you know is going to be well attended, because one of your competitors also attends that event.
Perhaps following up with a journalist or producer after sending them a press release for fear they may say ‘no’ to your media pitch.
Or, [you fill in the blank].
To do: Don’t be afraid to show up as the real you. In fact, make a commitment to yourself to let your Inner Brilliance shine through EVERYTHING you do.
Stop worrying about what ‘some’ people may think.
Your ideal client and the people that really matter – will appreciate you. And, those people who don’t – aren’t worth worrying about. Period!
And, in the words of Marianne Williamson (which I love):
“Who are you to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? YOU are a child of God. Playing small does NOT serve the world.”
2. Not Stepping Up
Are you stepping up for what you’re truly passionate about?
Do you take a stand for what drives you?
Or, do you let doubt and fear of how other people will respond, stop you. Stop you from getting your message out, or sharing your opinion when a topic you are truly passionate about is being discussed.
Not stepping up and letting doubt and fear of what others will say – will take you out.
For example, I’m passionate about inspiring possibility and greatness in others, whether in their career, their lives or their business.
It saddens me when I hear about people being denied opportunities by others (or themselves), whether it be to get an education, to follow their dreams, or to be the best they can be.
For instance, women in a job who are underpaid and undervalued despite the vast portfolio of gifts and talents they bring to the workplace.
Or, women in business being undervalued and therefore underpaid despite the incredible results their clients are achieving.
If doubt stopped me from stepping up and sharing my message of inspiration and possibility that it IS possible to change – my clients would not have received the courage or the opportunity to change their situation.
Neither will your future clients if you let doubt take you out from stepping up and making a stand for them and the situation they struggle with.
To do: Make a commitment to let 2014 be the year you step up in a far bolder way so that your ideal client and the people you are here to serve realise there IS hope!
3. Not Speaking Up
Ever been in a situation where you’re listening to someone (your ideal client) who you can sense is struggling with issues and challenges that you can support them with?
However, instead of explaining how you can help them, you say nothing about your products/services because you don’t want to come across as being pushy or salesly?
Or, you assume they know who you are and what you offer and will ask for further information if they’re interested?
Never assume.
Because by NOT sharing that you have a solution to their problem means you are robbing them of the opportunity to say ‘yes’ to change their situation.
Puts an entirely new light on this – right?
I know you would not want to leave this person continue in their struggles – so stop letting doubt take you out, by not speaking up and sharing how you can help them.
To do: Next time you see one of your ideal clients struggling with a problem you can support them with – speak up and show them you care about them and their future, and share with them how you can help.
Deal?
There you have it – three situations that are fuelled by doubt and fear that can prevent you from achieving your goals this year.
What action step will you take to ensure this doesn’t happen to you?
If you’re unsure on the best way to do this, or while you’ve been sharing with your ideal how to help them, but they’re still not hiring you – this is something you’ll want to address. You’re leaving money on the table.
Every month I open up 5 complementary Business Breakthrough Strategy Sessions where we can identify where the gap is and how you can address this so you can start showing up, stepping up and speaking up in a much more powerful and influential way and enroll clients into your business.
Let’s talk!
Here’s to this year being your BEST YEAR YET!