Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back!
I’ve talked about my illness many times and how debilitating it could be. Fear was holding me back – I had that and a host of other excuses lined up why I had every right to be afraid of failure. I didn’t think I “had what it took” – strength and determination. I didn’t want to be seen as a failure.
The fact remains that everyone has something that holds them back. It doesn’t have to be like the health issues or low self-esteem that dragged me down.
When my health improved, I finally realized that, yes, I really wanted to be successful. But the thought of being successful was fearful, too. You might be thinking, “Who would be afraid of succeeding?”.
Success would bring a lot of changes. What if I succeeded and wasn’t prepared for all that went along with my “success”. It would bring attention to who I am – to what I do. What if I’m not the person others think I am?
The questions rushed at me: “What if I do succeed?” “What would I do then?” “How would I handle it?”.
The answers to those questions have been slowly coming to me. It took me over 7 years to step out of my comfort zone. Well, actually, it really helps when someone pushes you out of your comfort zone!
When I started filming instructional videos, I was scared to death! Jim Cockrum had this “grand” idea! He was the one who really encouraged me — well, he actually challenged me to do that, There was no way I would have considered trying.
My first video attempt didn’t turn out like I planned. Ten minutes into taping, my assistant made me throw away 20 poster boards with everything I thought I needed to say. Without the posters, and with flowers and a wreath in my hands, I talked for 2 hours non-stop. The videographer had to stop me so he could take a break.
That first video is still on YouTube and has now been viewed 147,120 times! And, yes there are many more videos. Last summer, views on my YouTube Channel flew past One Million! Even I am still amazed!
The next time I was really pushed out of my comfort zone was when the Chamber of Commerce Business Women asked me to speak before their luncheon. I turned them down 3 times before relenting to speak. I was terrified, and carried pages of notes.
Guess what? I never even looked at the notes. I made eye contact instead and was a resounding success!
Now, I am being pushed out of my comfort zone again. I’ve been asked by a prestigious Internet Marketer to speak before a major conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of the year. I’m already writing my speech, but who really thinks I’ll use it?
You never know what you are capable of accomplishing until you try. Just turn the past loose and step out! Step Up! Knowing that I am in God’s will certainly doesn’t hurt, because I can trust that I have exactly what I need, exactly when I need it!
Remember… You Can Do It!! 🙂
I’m Nancy Alexander, a world renowned wreath designer, teacher and author. My dream is to share my secrets of making gorgeous wreaths and then teaching you how to sell online just as I do! 
This is great! You mentioned all the reasons why I’m afraid to post anything to Etsy. I began to set up an ‘Esty Store’ long ago. Then I got nervous and started asking myself all kinds of doubtful questions, “what if I really began to sell, then what?” I always felt that just because I like my items doesn’t mean everyone else will. Eventhough I have sold many wreaths I get nervous each time a customer walks away with one. I began to question myself on the quality of the work. Thanks to you, I always double check to make sure all my work is hidden and glued well, to show a professional finish. And lastly, I feel I’m too old to start something new/ big, but, from reading your testimony above, I’m just scared of failure and/or success.
Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.. Be Blessed.
~lynette~
Thanks for your note, Lynette!
You see, my dear, I know that you have what it takes! I know you can do it! Don’t be afraid to fail, because we all do from time to time. I have many times… We just have to keep on going, trusting that God is leading us in the right direction, and know that we will make it.
You… NO! You are not too old!!!!!! Look how old I was when starting my Internet business, and now… well, I’ll be 63 in fourteen days! Age isn’t anything – it is all in our mind… 🙂
Love you! You can do it!
God Bless, Nancy
Nancy & Linda, I have no idea, how many times I have read the above story, but, it finally hit me! Yes, I admit I must of been afraid to succeed! This is crazy, I had my own successful business for years. Everything you wrote was true, for some strange reason, I couldn’t see it….now I do. Thank you so very much, I am very grateful and a firm believer in FAITH.
Thank you.
Aw… Thank you Elaine!
I know you can do it – I always have! Now you know you can do it! AMAZING… just think what awaits you. I have been praying for you and hope you are feeling much, much better! God has given you a great gift, and He wants you to use it. So do Linda and I!
Love you, Linda and Nancy
I’m speechless! Thank you