6 years ago, I walked away from a $2.5MM+ law practice, a hefty salary (and steady paycheck) and great benefits to become an entrepreneur. As a cancer survivor, leaving the "safety" of law firm life was hard (the benefits aren't so great on this side).
Even worse, I was terrified I’d fail and doubted I could build a brand new business on my own.
But I did it anyway because it’s what I felt called to do.
What I learned is that fear, doubt, and uncertainty is normal.
And the things you want yet put off because you might fail, no one will understand and so on are THE MOST worthwhile.
That’s where you stretch yourself. It's where you learn what you’re fully capable of. And you come out better for it.
No. Matter. What.
The thing that gets me through it all?
I know I can’t fail. Because I see missteps and mistakes as learning opportunities.
They’re just lessons I need to learn as I move forward.
And those lessons change me and (yes, sometimes) my vision. Which means not only am I more equipped to move forward but I’m moving towards something better too.
Have you been putting something off because you're worried it won't work or you might learn it was the wrong move?
[That last one was the absolute WORST for me].
My message for you is simple, Friend…
Commit to it anyway.
You're smart. You can - and will - figure things out as you go. And there are loads of people who can help you be strategic and intentional.
[For example, I hired a coach and had a 2-year transition plan for financial reasons. So no, it doesn't necessarily mean making a drastic overnight change. But it does mean continually moving forward.]
What should you NOT do?
Don’t undermine yourself by indulging in worry, self-doubt and self-criticism.
It’s okay to have some doubts. And fine to have fears too.
But don’t obsess over them. Face them. Make a plan to combat them as much as you can. And then do it anyway.
Don’t be afraid to “fail” as you go. You’ll be better for it.
XO,
Heather
P.S. If you’re able to answer the question “What are you failing at?”, then you’re probably doing something right.
