You are YOU.
You are EXACTLY where you need to be.
It’s time to turn out the noise.
This week as I was recording a bonus module for my new group program (get details by registering for free Solopreneur Survival Summit), these words landed on me with a bang.
Let me tell you a little story.
I’m enrolled in a business development program for professional speakers, organized by CAPS, the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.
Last week was orientation night. Each of us had three minutes in front of the group to share:
- What inspires us
- Why speaking
- What gifts we bring to the group
Each enthusiastic newbie went up and did their little speech. It took no time to realize many of my peers are not newbies at all! Many ALREADY get paid to speak professionally.
My heart raced. My hands got sweaty. I looked for the door.
Nope, I thought. I’m not going anywhere. I can do this. I can do this.
Then my name was called. “Nadine Nicholson” said the program leader. It was my turn.
And, so I went.
Those three minutes went fast. It’s a blur.
Back at my chair, my head immediately went to the comparison game of how much better the others did.
As a coach, I KNOW the comparison trap is no good. I help my clients with this all the time.
I’m human. It happens to all of us. Just like it happens to my own business coach. Just like it happens to you.
The next day I started thinking how often the comparison trap faces us on a daily basis.
We subscribe to a barrage of blogs, hoping someone will have just the right answer to our struggles.
We see other entrepreneurs “looking” like they have it all together. Our inner critic says, “Just look at how great she’s doing. You are SO behind. Wow, you better work harder.”
Here’s the thing.
You are you. You are exactly where you need to be.
They are they. They are exactly where they need to be.
And we’re all in together.
What can you do when the comparison trap rears its head? (And it will.)
- Say NO to doing it alone. One of the reasons I like the word “solopreneur” so much is because it’s a misnomer. It appears you’re all alone in this game. Yet, the LAST thing you are is alone. One of my mantras is, “The more you reach out, the more resilient you are.” So reach out, ask for help. If you see someone you respect, ask her story. I bet you’ll learn a ton from her and realize that you’re EXACTLY where you’re supposed to be.
- Tune out the noise. I go through my email subscriptions every 90 days and cull them back to a manageable number. There are some I’d never cancel because I resonate so much with the writer.
- Reflect on your big why. What’s YOUR reason for being in business? What are YOU trying to accomplish? Go back to that and remember NO ONE ELSE is doing exactly what you’re doing in the way you’re doing it. You’re unique. Here’s another article about your big why.
- Tell your inner critic to go away in a fun way. Growing your business is going to take you into new and foreign territory. That’s when fear comes up. Fear often triggers comparing yourself with others. The inner critic on your shoulder is usually telling you a bunch of BS. So try this. The next time this happens, simply say, “Yeah, I hear you. I’ll tell you what. I want you to go on a LONG vacation. And here’s a ton of water to keep you well-nourished so you don’t rush back. Try it!
Share your tips n’ tricks in the comments below. What do YOU do when the comparison trap sets in?
P.S. There’s still time to get in on the Solopreneur Survival Summit. Attendees have until Monday, January 23 to download all the audios. They’re yours to keep!
Register at: www.SolopreneurSurvivalSummit.com.
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