I’m willing to bet right now that you know exactly what you should be doing to create your next personal or business breakthrough, but you’re not doing it.
We all have these obvious high-leverage activities that we don’t pursue. We know what they are, but we don’t do them because we’re scared.
For example, maybe you’re an musician who knows you should be contacting venues, agents and labels, instead of waiting to be “discovered,” but you’re scared to reach out.
Maybe you’re a blogger who’s stuck on a growth plateau. You know you should be writing guest posts for bigger blogs, but you’re scared to send your proposal.
Maybe you’re an entrepreneur who knows you need to cut back on scope and just ship your first product, but you’re scared to find out what the world thinks of your idea.
Instead of doing these things that we know would lead to new breakthroughs, we distract ourselves with the familiar and comfortable.
We do what’s easy, so we achieve easy results.
The next level is just outside our reach because we won’t confront our fears and push outside our comfort zone, even for a moment.
The path is clear, but fear and doubt keep us from taking action.
Think about your own situation. What actions have you been avoiding because they’re outside your comfort zone? Which things do you suspect might lead to a breakthrough, but you haven’t found the courage to try?
What’s it going to take for you to finally do that thing?
When are you going to say “screw it, let’s see what happens?”
If your attempt is unsuccessful, you might end up with a bruised ego or temporary embarrassment, but you’ll also gain knowledge and courage that you don’t currently have.
If you succeed, you might just have a whole new opportunity on your hands.
I’m pretty certain that the words “Screw it,let’s see what happens” have often been muttered just before many of the great moments in history.
Courage is the ONLY thing holding me back… and I can’t even figure out what I’m afraid of?!?!
Even if I do get embarrassed, it’s not like anyone is going to see me squirming in my spare bedroom office in little ole Whangarei, New Zealand.
So… Screw it (I had a stronger word in mind, but ‘screw it’ will do), let’s see what happens!
Without a doubt, time is the thing that’s holding me back right now. I have a lot of great projects started and/or in the works (not just blogging, but freelance writing, affiliate marketing and offline web marketing as well), but I simply can’t put more effort into them than the bare minimum that’s required to keep them all afloat until I’m able to go self-employed.
That said, it’s still pretty fun to plan out some of these higher level activities to take on when I’m able to
Right on! I have been dealing with this for awhile and more intensely the last week so your timing and insight is right on!
Sooooo true! Saying it now and having a blast! A product I ran for fun is taking off – I am so thrilled – even my kids are excited (not always easy to do when you’re their mom!)
The best of part of a screw it let’s do it attitude is you detach from expectations and start having a great time!
I distinctly remember thinking that once this summer in a non-biz context. I went for it and had a great experience except for the STD.
Not knowing what to do next is part of my problem when it comes to monetizing or s m. Lack of knowledge. Tech knowledge. I’ve made commitment to blog more and expand on the subject matter and style but to also consider outside help including video. Embedded or self made.
Coming up with more ideas seems to hold me back. But it will come. Just wish I had a bigger network to bounce ideas off and to learn from.
This week I”ve made small steps, pushing aside fear. Even seeking more info is fearful because I now ‘know’ and have to act one way or the other with that information. Made 2 calls to help me go forward. Now I wait.
I go nowhere if fear is in charge.
Thanks Corbett
Thanks for the push, CB. I think the biggest thing one can do outside of starting “X” is telling others of your next steps (let’s not call them plans). It’s amazing how many doors open up as you start sharing, plus you are way more accountable. You are what you think you are…and what others think of you as well. Work on changing both situations and you just might find enough momentum to really take off.
Amen and Thanks Corbett! I’ve been battling this myself and have been forcing myself to “screw it,” take another step forward and not worry about it on a daily basis.
My dad has always said “Do something.. even if it’s wrong!” I think about this daily and use it to encourage myself to take a step forward even when I have no idea what I’m doing and am wondering if I’m crazy for pursuing my current path.
The other saying we all know: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained. It’s a daily battle, but really trying to put fear aside and see what happens. There’s something to trying and making the effort vs. not. At least if I do fail, it’s definitely not for a lack of trying.
It’s funny to find this encouraging article Corbett, as that’s EXACTLY what I did for seven straight days last week.
Get out of my damn comfort zone to see what happened.
I have to say I ended up absolutely amazed by my results.
In all honesty, TRY IT some day people.
You might even impress yourselves!!
Sergio
My friend just forwarded this link to me. This is true. Not sure if i should start my own business.. but .. like the post says “Screw it.. lets see what happens” If i fail.. i can always get a job and work for someone else.. I agree with some of the posts where there is just not enough time.. but you know what!?!? there will never be that perfect time.. if you want to do it, do it now. I work full time, and i’m a fulltime PhD student, AND soon to be mom.. and yes, i’m going to start my own business… “Screw it, lets see what happens”
When I first got the idea to leave my job, home and friends to recreate my life as a nomad, the thing that helped me ‘just do it’ was to make a ‘worst case’ scenario analysis. All those anonymous thoughts, fears and doubts were brought to the surface and in the harsh light of day, they really did look pathetic. So I could put them aside and take the leap.
I’ve often heard: ‘Stop procrastinating’ but I think your version ‘Screw it, let’s see what happens’ is definitely more down to earth and more encouraging because you’re right, what’s the worst that can happen anyway?
Thanks for your post.