Well, I did it, I am officially doing something I have been resisting for quite a while now, I am Tweeting on Twitter!
For months as I heard my friends and colleagues talking about this fun new social media tool, many thoughts were going through my head like “it will take too much time, I don’t know how it works and don’t have time to find out right now, it’s not for me, I don’t need it – and especially I won’t know what to write”. The same excuses came up before I began writing articles each month, before joining Facebook, before writing my Workbook and before starting this blog.
Isn’t it interesting how easy it is to come up with a list of excuses when we don’t want to do something? So what’s the real reason for my resistance to stepping into the new (technology, strategies, etc)? I know it has something to do with putting myself out there publicly. You see, in my not too distant past I would prefer to remain in the background listening to and seeing others express themselves all the while in awe of their ability and courage to do that.
Being a coach, I am always encouraging my clients to stretch out of their comfort zones which compells me to consistently do the same myself. So, how do I know when I am ready to make the leap and stretch into something new instead of continuing to resist it? For me, it’s when the curiosity of doing it and thoughts of possibilities it might bring start showing up more often. When that happens, I jump in!
How do you know when you are ready to leap into something new?
Congrats Stefanie! I resisted Twitter too until one day I just tried it… now I can see all the positives that go along with using Twitter. It’s such a great networking tool and fun too! I even downloaded the Tweetdeck… a month ago I would have laughed /scoffed at something called the ‘Tweetdeck’ 🙂
I guess I know it’s time to leap into the new when ‘the old’ starts to feel boring and stale. I can relate to your post about trying new social media strategies/sites: I’ve been on Twitter for a while, but blogging was something I thought was out of reach for me. But then I talked to some experienced bloggers and visualized myself doing it. Like you mentioned about Twitter, I wasn’t sure I would be able to think about things to write. But then I decided to write about my experiences as the father of a silly, funny, amazing 2-year-old little girl (a topic I know well) and my daddy blog was born! Just so you know, I plan to hang onto my notes from your presentation at today’s Raleigh Public Relations Society meeting and share them with my daughter when she is older! I agree that we all need to spend more time in the present moment!!!
Thanks Brian, it was great meeting you today! Thank you for participating in todays seminar. You have a terrific blog!!
Oh BOY! Can I EVER relate to that! I am reminded of being by the edge of a pool as a kid:
I dipped my toes in and it was too cold. Everyone else seemed to be having a blast and didn’t mind the temperature. Someone said, “Once you get in, its fine.”–
It took my breath away when I first was in it. But then…after a few minute I realized…..
They were right. It was fine and I had FUN with IT!
🙂
For me (I”m not proud of this by the way) I know I’m ready to do something new when my reason for not doing something has no merit. Once I realize my resistance is simply fear and not some logical reason, I know I need to at least give it the old college try.
Yes, often stepping into something new does “take our breath away” (as your cold pool did) but it is also so exhilirating!!
I love this! You challenge your fear and go for it!
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