How I Allowed My Fear to Let Me Fail
I share my story often because it is relatable to so many. I went to school, worked, and returned for a second degree, but I never fully believed I would be a great attorney. I allowed the ghost of imposter syndrome to live rent-free in my head. I initially launched my law practice in 2017, and I struggled with the idea that I could be successful as an entrepreneur. I thought I needed a job as a lawyer and a title before going out on my own. My mentor kept telling me to go for it, to go all in because "I had the juice." I heard him, but I listened to my inner voice, which was the loudest thing in the room.
In June 2020, I relaunched my law practice with only a few paying clients. I did not have a social media presence or a plan of action to build awareness around my business or brand, but I dared to believe it was all possible. I invested in books, coaching, and other resources to grow my business. I took their advice and put it directly into action. This was the catalyst for the growth. I took their advice, and I put into action! I did not rationalize why it wouldn't work, even when my inner voice kept sewing doubt into my dreams. I focused on actions over words, and soon my inner voice went from my greatest critic to my greatest supporter.
There are so many lessons at the beginning of a journey. You are fighting through so many things and working to create a new narrative even when you aren't getting the desired results. People want advice from those who made it, but sometimes you have to listen to those fresh out the gate whose passion fuels their power when they have nothing else. If you look at where I am today, it may seem like I just showed up here with all of my greatness. But years of fear and failure taught me that the only thing between me and success is the confidence to take the chance even if I fail.
I shared my relaunch journey in a 5-part Youtube series and an e-book (I am revising), but you can watch the series here to learn more.
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What are you afraid of? Is the fear worth the failure, or can you start on your journey and see that it isn't as scary as you think it is?
Trauma Aware Leadership
1yI needed this today. I’m at an integral part of my DNP project and keep saying, “who am I” and need to remember I am someone with a voice that can help implement change. Thanks.
Consultant, Nurse Educator, Mentor, Coach. Author, Small Business Owner
1ywhat an inspiration. I never thought I had fears about anything in nursing. But launching a new business in legal nurse consulting has given me a bit of fear. Even though I have over 35 years of diverse clinical, administrative, and educational experience in the field of nursing, I feel the fear of a novice nurse starting out in this new field.
Beautiful & very inspirational !
Legal Nurse Consultant, EXPERT WITNESS, specializing in labor & delivery, high-risk pregnancies, birth injuries, NICU, and complex neonatal resuscitation. Available for DME/IMEs, fact summaries, depo/trial prep
1yI so need this! As I am starting a new business, my goal is to work on confidence. Why do I feel that I know nothing and yet I have been a bedside nurse for 21 years? The mental battle is the fiercest and yet I am determined to push those negative thoughts out of my mind and push forward. Thank you for posting!
CMPSS MPSS-VSOLRD, Equitable Care Certified Provider, Equity-Revolutionist, PPP (Professional Politician Pisser-offer) Model of Authentic Living, Subject Matter Expert,
1yThis is an amazing story. I am in the "imposter syndrome" feeling now. I would love to be a part of ths bootcamp