I’ve been intrigued by seeing everyone’s “word†for 2017. There is a vow to be intentional about living in your purpose and achieving some important goals this year. I even answered on a Facebook post that posed the question. My answer was FEARLESS! Lately, I’ve just been doing things for the sake of doing them to say that I did it! I use to let fear hold me back and I’ve been proven time and time again that when I get out of my comfort zone, amazing things start to happen.
I’m still scared to do certain things but, I do it afraid! I recently published a video on YouTube that I wanted to re-record because it wasn’t good enough to me. I’m slowly pulling myself out of the “it has to be perfect†slump. My mantra… Done is better than perfect! There are so many things that I didn’t do because it wasn’t up to my standards. I started to look at how many things I could have accomplished if I would have just gotten out of my own way. It made my head hurt!
Change is inevitable and I think I may change my word even though I am doing things that scare me. My mind started racing at what other people saw in me that I didn’t see in myself. I’m so behind the scenes and love to create that public recognition is the last thing I think about. I’m also a bit on the introverted side even though I have practiced the art of effective networking and can work a room of people but, cringe at the thought of public speaking to an audience and video is another struggle of mine.
Saying all of that to say this… If you are passionate about what you do, it will show in the work that you produce and people will see it. I’m always surprised by what people see in me that I can’t see in myself. I’ve been nominated for ACHI Woman of the Year Award, TED Talks Speaker and Locals Fueling Change for Tech Talent South. I don’t submit my name for anything. No nominations for awards, no public speaking opportunities and no contests for public recognition. I stay in my bubble and work!
This week I was surprised because I was referred to as a “local designer and woman of color†and the boutique owner who said it made me really think because even though I just recently launched my online boutique and I’m working to get my statement tees in local clothing boutiques I NEVER once considered myself a clothing designer. I just started designing statement tees based on my personality traits and quotes that people can relate to. So, my NEW word(s) for this year is… OWN IT!
You may not always see what radiates from you or about you to others. Own it and walk in your purpose and keep doing what you are doing. Do it with passion, do it authentically, do it with fear but, DO IT! When you are sought after as an authority on a specific subject, don’t question it. Don’t do what I did and shy away from it, don’t down play it! It’s a big deal! Add that title to your list of accomplishments and keep moving forward!