This whole year I’ve felt lost, paralyzed, scared, and just well directionless. I’ve been trying to figure out the next steps in my life; what I should be doing to make money. I just felt so overwhelmed by it all and what I should focus on. Everyone talks about their passion and finding their passion, and well I wasn’t sure I would feel that pull or be able to commit to a new path. I’ve been desperately trying to figure out what I wanted to do.
I actually feel knots in my stomach typing this out and saying it out loud right now. I’m afraid of losing the motivation or momentum or confidence or well I’m afraid of everything. I just started working on the idea and I’m not sure exactly what form it will take, but I’ve decided (I think) my path is to help other creatives/entrepreneurs. I’ve had this desire for some time to have my own business and to follow in the entrepreneurial footsteps. Frankly, this whole year I’ve been cycling through so many ideas and directions of what skills I could develop or utilize to make that happen. Then while reading The Art of Work by Jeff Goins it just clicked. I think my role is supporting and nourishing other businesses…that is my business. I’ve had several meetings this year where I’ve totally geeked out about other peoples’ ideas/businesses. I get so excited when people say they are starting their own entrepreneurial endeavors, and I ask WAY too many questions and offer a ton of suggestions. I’ve been in so many situations where I think I scare them a little with all the questions and get a lot of “umm, haven’t thought of that, haven’t decided that”. Plus business is my background/education, it’s about time I use that MBA 🙂 It fits in so many ways, it clicked.
What do they say, if you are really serious about something you have to put it out into the universe. Well, here it is. I know it’s extremely vague right now, but for the first time in a very long time I feel a direction/a pull. So I’m sharing, I’m putting it out there. I’m scared and excited.
I’m going to share the journey here, because FBB is my home. It’s the space that has brought me real life friends and so many other connections that have enriched my life. I’m amazed at what a supportive and caring community blogging really is. It has truly shown me so much, made me step more outside myself, face insecurities and work through them. I love my blog, and honestly if feels so much like home that it has been hard for me to grow it as a “business” and well now I realize why. I do have a passion for food and travel (and booze), but I don’t want to “sell” it. The friends/readers on these pages and the stories are too me, too real for me to step back and treat it like a brand. Basically, FBB will not change, and I plan on doing the same types of posts I’ve been doing in this space. I will grow a new space for wherever the path leads, but this space will continue to be my sounding board. Ok, this was an insanely long and weird post, thanks for sticking it out with me. 🙂
I’m going straight into my August goals, I did a mini-recap of July in a post yesterday. And I feel like I did check off my main but less specific goal of “I’m giving myself July to not check things off per say, but figure them out. I need a re-set month.” I do feel like I found a direction, I just hope I keep it and can make it work.
August Goals
- Have a great time on the two trips we do have planned in August, Palm Springs & Denver. Plan trip to SF in September (for reals) or decide it will be pushed to next year??
- Step up the Fitbit game. Walk Sam at least 3 days a week for 1 mile.
- Make sure to keep up with yoga or other fitness activity, goal 4 times a week (not including the above mentioned walks).
- Work my ass off towards my new project, I know vague but I’m not ready to share more….my goal is to be able to share more next month!! I have a huge to-do list already written up 🙂
What are your goals for August?
Join me and these lovely bloggers to Maximize Your Month:
Esther from Local Adventurer
Hsiao-Ting from Shouting Chow
Lindsay from Lindsay Does Languages
Shannon from Eurolinguiste
<div align="center"><a href="http://wp.me/p47aVP-Wu" title="Maximize Your Month Goal Setting Blogging Community"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wz5KYtUZUrgWk-q209Get3JY78VjVMRTcHa85pNOUXM=w300-h107-no" alt="Maximize Your Month" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
So I want to do this but I’ve been so flaky lately because of work and other stuff I have had to do!
I also wish you well in your future business endeavors! Just an idea: I’ve seen lots of people do well with blogger meetups to get their name out there and increase their community! =) I’ve been thinking of a meetup but don’t have the time or energy to put one together. But I would definitely go!
Totally understand that!! We are actually moving (just a new house a few blocks away) at the end of the month, so that was a surprise goal 🙂 I have thought about going to a few meet-ups when finally get everything together!! That’s a great tip!!
I think this is amazing of you to put out there on “paper” and a great idea for you to move forward with, in whatever direction it may lead you. It’s important to be passionate! 🙂
Thank you Amanda!! Progress is slow, but I’m working on it 🙂 Hope all is well with you and the wedding planning is going smoothly!!
Such an honest post. 🙂 and so cool you’ve found something that works for you and you’re clearly very passionate about. I know plenty of people that would be itching for some time with someone to help grow their business! Good luck in August!
Thank you Lindsay!! I’ve been working hard 🙂 Fingers-crossed I’m moving in the right direction.
Oh wow, that’s so great that you want to help other people with their businesses/creative endeavors! I think that’s such a cool idea – I really hope it works out well for you! 😀 Plus, your other goals look great too; I really need to put trip goals on my list from next month.
Thank you Charlotte!! I hope it works out well too 😉 I’ve been busy. We actually are planning on the SF trip sooner than later, and picked actually dates…so I need to get on planning that 🙂
I can definitely relate to this post! I will love to read about your journey!
I really want to build my own business too. Congratulations on wanting to help others achieve their goals! 🙂
Thank you Daleian!! It’s really scary and tons to do, but I’m hoping I’m able to make it work!! You have to try, right!
My fitbit died on my trip.. so no more walking for me. haha jk. I need to find some other workout regimen. You said you were doing more yoga?
I think that’s awesome that you’re wanting to help other creatives / entrepreneurs! I feel like you are really good at connecting with other bloggers and asking those questions definitely help others think about the direction they want to go too. 🙂 Best of luck on all your August goals & let’s meet up soon to chat!
Oh no!! Yep, no point in walking if it is not recorded 😉 Yes, I do yoga at home quite often at least 3 days a week. I just use Youtube, I particularly like Adriene https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene. We should go to a paddleboard yoga class! It was so fun.
Looking forward to hearing about your trip!! I know the kitties are happy you are back 🙂 Let me know when you are available for lunch or something 🙂
that sounds fun!! I did paddle boarding and it’s not as bad as I thought. 🙂 Let’s do it!! What class were you looking into?
http://sandiegopaddleyoga.com/ Is the one I tried. It was good.
lmk if u want company next time! 🙂
A huge congrats on your new project! I look forward to hearing about it when you’re ready to share more. Best of luck with your goals for this month!
Thank you Shannon! Best of luck on your August goals too 🙂
Yay for finding direction! That’s so awesome — I can’t wait to hear more about it!
Thank you Allison! Yes, we will have to do a lunch soon 🙂
It feels so good when something clicks. I wish you much success as you figure out how to put it into action.
Thank you Steph! I feel so much better/motivated now I have a direction to work towards, it does feel good 🙂
Congrats on finding a new direction! Having a job that you genuinely enjoy makes a huge difference (I made a career shift about three years ago and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done)
Thank you Gabby! I’m very grateful to have a direction to work towards, of course I’m also grateful that I’ve had the time to figure out a new direction too. Glad you were able to make your shift, I’m sure life is much better when you are looking forward not dreading the work week 🙂
OMG I’m so excited for you on your next chapter in life! I know it’s always scary to go for what you’re passionate about … that is if you even know what it is … and then to put it on paper since it just might not happen but I’m so proud of you! I did a career change too and it’s always scary when you’re doing something new but I think that’s just how we can grow as human beings. If we don’t go through change, we’ll never learn and grown as a person so I’m excited for you! Can’t wait to hear more about it next month! Good luck with your goals for this month! I also need to be more active! 🙂
Aww Hsiao-Ting thank you so much for such kind and encouraging words!! It is really scary and you are so right, you have to do something new to make a change and to grow. I feel like just sharing this little bit is a step in getting over some of my fears and a step forward to that new direction. I’m looking forward to hearing how your new chapter is going next month too!
That sounds awesome! I think it’s great when you can find something you’re excited about and that you would be good at and that you can make money from! Good luck!
Thank you Lauren! Well let’s hope it all works out that way 🙂 We will see how it goes, I just have to try.
I’m so happy for you! Your idea is brilliant, you’re such a natural encourager and promoter of others. You will be fantastic in this role!
I also LOVE what you said about your blog being your home. I feel the same way, and it’s such a precious gift to have. So excited for you!!
Thank you M!!! Fingers-crossed it is the right direction, I do feel really excited about it. It’s so hard sometimes to hold onto that confidence and it’s so hard for me to be vulnerable and share…but I decided I need to take the dive. I can’t let being afraid/uncomfortable/feeling silly hold me back. I’m amazed at how much this space has really made me reflect more and make myself get out of my own head. I am very grateful to you and other readers, for being so supportive and encouraging. It really is so amazing.
i hope you find what you’re looking for! it’s always hard to figure out what you want to do with your passions and at the same time, figure out how not to cannibalize them in the process. for me, i love everything about fitness and more than once, people have told me i’d be a great personal trainer but i do that for myself and if i had to be like that towards others (and them not put in the work that i did or argue with me/not listen to me), i can see how i would dread it and it would ruin my love of fitness.
I hope so too Kathy 🙂 thank you! That’s true, you certainly don’t want to turn something you love into a dread. I do think you would be a great personal trainer, scary as hell though 😉 People need activities that are just for fun or enjoyment, not necessarily a job path.
SO happy for your M. This actually brought a tear to my eye because I know you’ve been trying like hell to figure “this” all out. I feel your relief in this post. Can’t wait to give you a big hug on Friday!!! XO
Aww thanks S!! Can’t wait to tell you more in person and hear about your trip!! I super appreciate all your support and being a wonderful listener as I have stumbled my way through this year.
I love what you said about your blog and community – that you love it and don’t want to sell it. I think that hits it on the head for a lot of us out there who think about monetizing and then feel really icky about it. And I love your idea for blending your skills and background with your passion. Looking forward to seeing how you put your plans in motion!
I always say blogging is so weird…there are so many feelings and motivations that contradict themselves. I 110% have no problem with people making money off their blog, it is a lot of work. I just had a hard time trying to see how I personally could treat FBB more like a business or brand, I understand the strategy behind doing so, but I just couldn’t quite make myself focused on it. It just has taken some time to wrap my head around where I want to go and if/how the blog plays into it. I love my space and I like sharing my adventures, and I have learned so much through doing that. I looked back on a very early post about why I started and it actually still holds quite true, so I may not have gotten huge growth (or made money) but I have reached those whys 🙂
I love the authenticity of this post. I hope you find exactly what you are looking for. What a great support you will be to others!
Good luck with your August goals. The FitBit can be addicting! I’ve been really setting my mind to getting those 10,000 steps a day and now it’s not uncommon for me to be making laps around my living room couch while watching TV in the evenings! I’ve even got Kevin doing the same thing.
Thank you so much Amy!! Yes, I tried to just write what I felt, without too much editing. If I overthink it I will pull back, the whole thing is scary 🙂 I need to be more addicted to my Fitbit!! Though I do get upset if I forget it, but then I forget to even check my steps for days and then I realize the battery is dead, LOL. I have been doing steps around the house before bed to bump me over before.