In Case You Need This

Photo from Trine.edu.

For the past few weeks or months, you’ve been testing the waters, selling a painting here or a bracelet there. Periodically, while eating lunch at work or during a quick break, you think, “Maybe I should do this for real.” Then, you go back to calling potential clients for your employer. You’ve been staring down the imposter syndrome. Thoughts in your head tell you to play it safe, but what you really need is confidence and a plan. In case you’re doubting yourself, here is how you accomplish what you want.

Gain Confidence Through Planning

If your challenge was to find your way from the entrance to the exit of a cave you haven’t ever been in, you might be a bit nervous. You don’t know if the cave is stable, where the exit is or which paths to take. These unknown factors create doubt.

But if you have a map, all necessities and time to research and prepare, you have a greater level of confidence. This is because you know what to expect and what paths to take. As in real life, some of these paths might now dead-ends, but your research has prepared you to take alternate routes where needed. You gain confidence in anything you do by researching, planning and then doing. The last part is the most important part. Once you start doing, you get more done, and that earns you more confidence.

Plan Like a Vision Board

What do you want, and what are you willing to sacrifice to get there? Do you want to stop stuttering during presentations or to communicate better in writing? Whatever it is, you can write it out, put it in a business plan or make a vision board out of it.

When you envision yourself commanding the room or making warm scarves for the winter, it becomes closer to reality, and you should have fun with it. Business plans are great, but vision boards can be exhilarating. That dopamine rush seeing yourself in that moment for a few seconds is almost unmatched.

Live Like You’re There Already

People often say to be a millionaire, you must first start thinking like a millionaire. This is true in most aspects of life because you already are what you are seeking to become. When you sell your first painting for a million dollars, the media will call you an artist. But were you not an artist two years ago sketching out the paintings that inspired the one you’ve now sold for a million dollars? Is it the money or the art that makes you an artist?

The above acknowledged, when you meet others who have achieved whatever it is you would like to, remember that you belong in the room with them. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people will accelerate your progress. You’ll learn paths to take and paths to steer away from. This network will help you build your map featuring the point you intend to reach.

The Takeaway

Having self-doubt is normal, but don’t allow it to be a barrier. You belong everywhere you go. You’re already whoever you want to be or whatever you want to become mentally. Expand on that mentality by building your self-confidence. Practice, make a business plan or a vision board. Whatever you do, make a plan and put the plan into action.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human.