Is it “Go Time” yet?
It’s a great question. Whatever is in front of you right now, whether it is to finish your book, find a VA, start planning your speaking calendar, start mapping out your publicity and marketing campaigns, or start booking podcasts and other interviews for yourself, isn’t it time to get going and take action? What are you waiting for?
Perhaps a part of you doesn’t feel ready yet. We live in a world that is all about consuming information. It is all around us, and it’s tempting to read one more book, listen to one more podcast, watch one more webinar, or sign up for one more program, in order to feel ready to put yourself out there. When is it finally time to take the plunge and actually do it? If you find yourself hesitating, this one is for you.
Now, maybe you’ve already put yourself out there. That’s wonderful. Congratulations. What do we need to do next?? Because there is always something more!
I have found that many want to move forward, but they’re just not sure exactly what to do or if the time is right. “Maybe I need to do one more online class…”.
Could it be you’re just nervous about taking the next step? If so, I get it. Sometimes, we don’t know all the answers at the start, but we have to move forward anyway. We must make that bold move and take some action. At some point, not taking the next step is an excuse not to create. At some point the learning can only come from doing. Have you reached that point yet?
Think back for a moment to all the times when you did take a plunge into something you really wanted. Maybe it was learning to ride a bike or drive a car. Maybe it was registering for college. Maybe it was applying and getting that first job. What finally got you to do it?
I have a friend who said she wanted to lose weight but it wasn’t until she hit a certain number on the scale that it was no longer an option. She went on to lose 20 pounds.
I know an author who wanted to get her message out into the world, but she was afraid. It wasn’t until she heard someone else, someone she knew who wrote a book and was now out on the circuit doing all kinds of interviews. She reached that moment of truth. “That’s it!” and took the plunge.
Does it take a moment of truth for you to take the plunge, or is it something subtler inside that tells you, “I’m ready.”
Here are the hard facts:
- If you want to do interviews, do interviews.
- If you want to write your press materials, write your press materials.
- If you want to be a speaker, start speaking.
- If you want to write more books, write more books.
- If you want to be on podcasts, book podcasts.
- If you want to be a Media Darling, be a Media Darling.
Simple yet profound.
If you want a larger following, you must take the steps and do what you need to do to build a bigger following. Things like, “Oh, I hate social media,” or “I don’t have time,” or “I just don’t know what to do,” really have to be set aside. Action needs to be taken. Otherwise, it is too easy to just give up. It’s too easy to decide that it just isn’t for you. Of course it is for you, but you have to actually reach Go Time.
Effective ways to get yourself to take action and do what it is you say you want to do
Make a decision, and don’t let yourself off the hook. Sometimes you just have to decide and stop entertaining ideas of stopping. I knew a guy who stopped smoking. When asked how he did it, he responded that he simply decided to and never said to himself, “I wish I could have a cigarette right now.” He simply refused to entertain those ideas which could have sabotaged him.
Establish a consistent routine or schedule. Setting aside specific time each day or week dedicated solely to that dream can help make it a habit and reduce the likelihood of procrastination. For example, if you want to book podcasts, create a list and then decide you will send out four pitches each day.
Break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help make the overall process less overwhelming and easier to tackle.
Seek support. Talk to someone you trust about your fears or concerns, or seek out a mentor or coach who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Visualize the end result and imagine how it will feel once you’ve completed the task – this can help create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Eliminate distractions or potential obstacles that may prevent you from taking action, such as turning off your phone or finding a quiet workspace.
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Find inspiration and motivation from sources such as other artists, nature, or personal experiences.
Experiment and take risks in your creative process – sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places!
Remember, you’ve taken action before. It is what got you to where you are today. There were other things you were afraid to do yet you did them.
Bottom line
I share a lot here and in Savvy Sunday News about how to not only pitch and land interviews, but how to deliver them in a fantastic and compelling way. The only way to get good at something is to practice, and the only way to practice is to start doing something. Remember what you want, and then take the bold steps to make it happen, even if you have butterflies. I know you can do it. It’s Go Time.
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. You guessed it . . .
It’s Go Time.
Let’s Go!
Let’s Go!
Let’s go some more!
#gotime
#justdoit
#bookmarketing
#bookpublicity
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