If Not Now, Then When?

What is it that you’ve been putting off ? We all have that list of things that we’ll get around to one of these days, right?  What’s on your “someday” list?  My list is fairly long, but I just crossed out a big one.

I’ve wanted to take my parents to see the Los Angeles Kings play for what seems like ages.  My folks haven’t been to a hockey game in over forty years; back in the days at the Fabulous Forum and before the “Great One”, otherwise known as Wayne Gretzky, arrived.

So, I did something really impulsive last week; well at least it felt impulsive at the time.  (Is it really impulsive when you’ve been contemplating it for several years?) I treated my parents and myself to see the Kings play against the Calgary Flames at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.  It was the last game of the season and I happened to be in town.  Ah, the stars aligned.  (Well at least for us to see the game; not so much for the Kings who lost 7-2 to the Flames.  Sigh!)

After a bit of fits and fussing as parents sometimes do, off we went. My “second-guessing, doubting, wondering should I have done this, will they enjoy it, gee this was a bit of money” thoughts quieted once we sat down and the boys hit the ice.  My parents had a blast!  They were even featured on the Kings Kiss Cam!  Check out those smiles.  No regrets on this decision.

You’re probably wondering what’s the point to this?  I was wondering that in the third period last night believe me.  My point is, if not now, then when? When are you going to check those things off your list? When are you going to stop making excuses for not doing that thing you’ve really been wanting to do?

This conversation started late last year with a friend of mine, Cathleen, who decided to make a career change and go back to following her passion, which is writing.  They were her words, If Not Now, When? That really struck a chord with me. I too want to do some different things with my career, but I get stuck in complacency mode and go about my normal day-to-day routine. It’s easy.  And it’s safe.

Following Cathleen’s words, I decided that this year I’ll take action, broaden my horizon and find ways to be more meaningful to my clients.  I’ve been working on a great blogging course and listening to endless podcasts that have now filled my already cluttered brain with more marketing ideas. (Thank you, Darren Rouse and Amy Porterfield!)  The courses have really given me the encouragement to start moving forward toward my own goals.  And in the process, I’m finding myself encouraging my clients (and friends) to do the same. 

We all have fears of change; that’s normal.  But in order to grow, we need to overcome the fear and move forward.  For me right now, it’s developing more content for my website, giving people tools to be better marketers and to grow my following.  And that’s a little scary. I’m really comfortable sitting here at my desk, living in my little bubble of security.

So tell me, do any of these things sound familiar?

• I’m not good enough.
• No one wants to hear or read what I have to say.
• I can’t write, or I don’t like to write. 
• It’s not ready yet; I need to perfect it. 
• I don’t have time. Maybe next month or next year.

Yeah, me too.  But you know what, no one is perfect.  No one expects you to be perfect.  But people do want to hear what you have to say.  I’m sure there’s something that people always ask you about.  How did you lose weight?  What’s your training regimen?  How do you do that thing that you do? Think about that for a minute.  What’s your area of expertise?  Write about it!  Use that as a platform to build your following, which ultimately will help you to grow your business. Trust me, you won’t regret it.  (Look at those smiles again – does that look like regret?  No, I don’t think so.)

It’s hard for many of us to promote ourselves, myself included; that’s totally normal. If you’d like some help or need a little direction, give me a shout. I’d love to work with you. I love all things marketing!  I love to connect with people and I absolutely love helping them grow their business. 

There are so many tools out there – things like email marketing, blogging, social media.  It’s all really about growing a following and engaging with people. Figure out your ideal customer and grow your tribe.  Be authentic, build relationships and chase your dreams.  If not now, then when?