I live(d) in a semi-state of fear.
My immediate internal reaction to something new was always "hell NO I can't do that!" This fault has caused me to miss some major opportunities in my life (like having one of my finch&hawk® printable designs in a major fashion magazine).
Not too long ago, I was bouncing around Twitter and I stopped on a tweet from the Huffington Post OWN division. It said "Tina Fey's #1 Rule For Success." Something in my gut (love that gut instinct) told me to click on the link. I did...and things started happening. Immediately.
The link was to Tina Fey's Success Secret: 'Say Yes'. It told the story of how in her professional career, when she was presented with a scary new opportunity, she said YES and figured out the logistics later. So simple. Scary, but simple. I thought, "what If I try this?" Then I thought, "Screw it. I AM going to try this."
You guys, I am not kidding, the NEXT DAY I was emailed about a wholesale opportunity for finch&hawk® notepads. I normally do not offer wholesale because it just seemed like uncharted territory, but I responded yes and figured everything out. Set up my printers. Set up my pricing (helpful wholesale formula found in Craft Inc.). Set up my labeling. Hand delivered to client. It was fantastic!
There seem to be 2 types of people in the world. The "Say Yes" people who figure out how to get it done after they commit. And the "Say No" people who are too afraid to even give it a chance and miss major life experiences. I conquered my biggest personal fear (giving birth) and now I get to kiss my little girl everyday. Professionally, I have turned down too many jaw dropping opportunities. No more. I am not saying to say yes to every project or experience, but if your immediate gut reaction says YES! Go for it! I know you can do it. Here is to holding hands and stepping into the unknown together. I bet there is magic on the other side!
