I do things as seen here
Happy Monday!
Failure, whether personal or professional, is always a sign of growth and effort. I spent a lot of time being frozen because I was scared to fail. But you know what? I’ve failed at a few things and I’m so glad I have! In those failures, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I can grow. So with that, I hope you all put yourself out there, failure and all! Life is so much better when you try. Have a great week! 🙂
Hard work trumps talent anyday. You could be gifted all day long, but if you don’t put the effort in, it won’t get you very far. Being talented does not guarantee success. Showing up everyday and putting in the work is the only way to achieve results. Don’t be afraid of challenging tasks as they help develop your character. So today, go do something challenging and watch yourself grow. Happy Monday!
A little over 3 months ago, I saw the 100 day project and jumped at the chance to be part of it. Continue reading “My #100DayProject Failure”
So I am terrible about bragging about my writing exploits as of late, so I want to share with you guys my latest published work. Way back in June, I discovered this magazine call Millennial Magazine. It’s all about Gen Y and powered by Millennials. They were accepting writers and I knew I’d be a good fit so I quickly wrote the editor and pitched her a few ideas.
The Pitch
For me, pitching an editor is not scary. In fact, it is my favorite part of the process. I introduced myself and spoke on my passion about talking about myself (typical millennial, lol) and sent her some samples and some possible topics. Then I hit “send” and waiting eagerly for the response. Within a few hours, she got back to me and said my ideas were great and to move forward with them.
The Triumph
For a few days I was on cloud 9 enjoying life and feeling validated. She loved my work and ideas! It felt amazing to receive positive feedback. So needless to say my ego was pretty inflated; at a healthy rate though. 😉
The Fear
After the acceptance high wore off, a huge sense of insecurity crept over more. “Am I good enough?” “Will the editor like my work?” were the thoughts that plagued my anxiety-riddled brain. I became stuck and fearful that I could not get it done. Instead, I avoided it like the bubonic plague and just let the project fall to the wayside. I was so bummed and disappointed with myself for following through, but my fear and anxiety had gotten the better of me.
The Comeback
Fast forward 2 months and I still had not written the article. So finally, I took a good look in the mirror, and spoke a few positive affirmations and vowed that I’d get this article written come hell or high-water. So a few hours later and a few revisions (done at a Starbucks, no less), my article was complete!
The Submission
After I finished my article, I sent it to the editor who had positive things to say about it. I made a few corrections and resubmitted it. I was incredibly proud of myself for finishing the article and that it was going to be published. What I was most proud of was despite my initial hesitation, I managed to follow through, and complete it. Maybe it was because the article is a topic that I relate with, but for me, when I have work that hits close to home, I have a tough time getting through with the project for fear that I am not doing it justice. Then I realized I’m not doing anything if I don’t actually do it, so here it is!
The Published Work
The cool thing about my article was that it was published incredibly quickly and I got a chance to show my friends and family. Normally I write a lot of corporate copy so it’s not exactly interesting or shareable, so it was nice to have done some work that I could share with everyone. So without further ado, here is my article! Just click the link below.
Why Millennials Aren’t Rushing to the Alter
The Takeaway
All in all, I’ve realized that the writing process does not have to be as scary as I’ve made it. Also that I love what I do. If you guys have any stories about submitting work, I’d love to hear them! 🙂
I suffer from a debilitating chronic condition known as CWWS or Chronic Worry Wart Syndrome (it’s real, look it up. Ok, you got me, I’m full of crap). CWWS affects my ability to live life to the fullest by riddling my nerves with anxiety to the point where the only remedy is to hide from the world in the sanctity of my bed with my pup binging on Duck Dynasty. Following the flare up of CWWS is self loathing by my inability to face my fears and more guilt ensues. What causes CWWS you ask? Well, fear of success is an indicator.
You’re probably wondering how success can be scary. After all, it’s what most of us want right? The reality is,that once you’ve tasted the nectar of success, you have the added pressure of a repeat performance. Like the 1st time bestselling author who has to do a follow up book that is at least equally as good as their first novel. Fear of failing is a very real reality. So how does one get over CWWS? Well like Nike says, “Just Do It”.
Recently I put it out in the universe that I’ve decided to become a freelance writer. I’ve had a pretty good start, but I’m not out of the woods yet. It’s still a surreal feeling that people other than my mom (thanks mom!) like my writing. My CWWS is trying to rear its ugly little head but by golly I’m not gonna let it win. I’ve always existed in autopilot because simply, you can’t fail if you’re not really trying. The thing is potential can only be potential for so long. So, by announcing my goal means that I have to follow through. I’m a bit of a commitment phobe so this is going to get interesting. I said earlier that some of my work has been published, so the first hurdle I’ve cleared. Now it’s onto the repeat performance. Interestingly enough, I’m not longing for my bed or Duck Dynasty yet, so I’ll take it as a good sign. So here I am, scared shitless but determined to do it anyway. If you or a loved one suffers from CWWS too, I’d love to hear from you! You know what they say about misery and company and all that jazz. 😉
That was something my mother told me when explained to my parents that I wanted to leave my “cushy corporate life” for the unknown island of bummage. A decision I have not regretted in the slightest. As I’ve said before I have the “gift” of doing things “half assed” and still come out smelling like a rose, well for the most part. The one thing that I love and respect about my parents is that they never tell me what I want to hear. They tell me the truth whether I like it or not, and for some reason I’m able to swallow my pride and run with it.
I am (or was?) predictable to a T. Anyone who knows me can tell you what I’m doing, where I’m doing, and who I’m doing it with (no pun intended 😉 ). Seriously, calling me a creature of habit barely begins to scratch the surface of it. Why? Honestly, I think it’s because there is comfort in the predictable. When you know the outcome, you can never be hurt, disappointed, or fail ultimately. I think that’s the reason why I’ve always been a “successful” slacker. If I succeeded, great! If I didn’t, I could always blame it on my lack of trying. Bottom line, I don’t always want to be a person with “potential”. I want to use that potential and be great.
“The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.” -Ben Herbster
Taryn Was Here 