I recently shared that it takes BRAVERY to write a book. You need some balls to say, "Listen up, bitches! I've got something to share, and you should pay attention."
So, what if you know you have something to say that could help others, and you want to be brave and get it out there...
But you don't know how?
First up, I want to normalize this for you. You are not alone. I work with so many folks who want to be brave in sharing their message, story, or experience, but don't know where to start.
And this is what I tell them:
Bravery is an action, not a feeling.
Action over feeling
It's worth repeating: Bravery is an action, not a feeling.
You can feel scared shitless and still be brave. Because bravery speaks to what you choose to do.
When I started my business in 2016, I was scared to write blog posts giving writing advice. Who was I to tell others what to do? There were so many other more qualified, more experienced people in my industry. Would people think I was full of myself?
But I did it because I knew my advice could help someone.
And now? I'm considered an established leader in my industry. Part of that is thanks to a history of helpful blog posts longer than my arm.
I chose to take action, even while I still felt scared. It wasn't always easy, but it was meaningful.
Now, I get messages like this one from my old client Denise, who wrote this kind note in the acknowledgements of her published book.
That means the world to me! It reminds me I'm doing something meaningful and having a positive impact in this world. That's what you want, too, right?
The right question
So I want to propose a slightly different question. Instead of asking, How can I be brave? or, Where do I start?, instead ask:
What's one small, brave action I can take towards writing my book?
THAT is the right question to ask.
I don't expect you to come up with an answer immediately. I mean, if you have something ready to go, great! Roll with it. But if not, give it a week.
Spend this week looking for one small, brave action you can take towards writing your book.
Then decide: Will you do it, even though you might still feel scared?
Thanks,
Liz “Let's Be Brave” Green
Editor and Book Coach
Green Goose Writing
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