What is the scariest thing you can do?

I like being scared. I like scaring others. In our family gatherings we have an annual “spooky walk” that I’ve been organizing for decades, since I was  kid. Spooky walks were always a thing with me.

I like scaring people. And being scared.

People like being scared. Go to any amusement park for proof.

The reason I like being scared is unique. Yes, it’s one thing to jump on a roller coaster. That kind of scared is entertainment. Safe. Exciting.

But still safe. The best kind of scared is the kind where you challenge yourself to push your comfort zone and boundaries way beyond what you’re used to. Into the scary zone.

In my life, every time I pushed beyond my comfort zone it meant I was pursuing growth, goals and new levels of productivity. For example, one of the scariest things I ever done was the day I learned to dance.

And it was the day that changed everything in my life.Life is all about facing your inner demons and going face to face with the dragon on the road to your destiny.Face the dragon and you face the fear. And you know a new path.

I’ve done this many times in my life. I was paralyzed with fear of public speaking, so I joined ToastMasters. I was scared of higher education, so at the young age of 31 I attended university. I was afraid of challenging my goals and desires, so I hired coaches… etc etc etc…

Everything is scary. And fears ought NOT dictate desires and actions.

This year I rekindled a love of playing blues and singing. I challenged myself like I never challenged myself before.

That’s me in the snap shot above, playing and singing. Smiling, yes, but scared sh*tless.  I can state unequivocally that this is ONE OF THE SCARIEST THINGS I HAVE EVER DONE. Ever.

Sit in front of a crowd of strangers, play guitar and sing. NO drums, NO bass, maybe a few sax solos and another dude playing some guitar riffs, but mostly all about me. All eyes and ears too. Dam scary. I never felt so vulnerable.

So why would I do this? The same reason I did it in the past. I want to grow, get better and expand new skills and talents. Maybe I’ll never be a great singer. But who cares.

I’m willing to get up there and do it anyhow. Dam the critics. They’re not the ones in the ring fighting the fight. Anyone can criticize and point out faults. Who cares. If anyone does say anything negative, my thoughts are the same. In two key points:

1. I am immune to criticism.  This is a good muscle to grow and essential to long term success. Putting myself out there gives me an opportunity to get stronger and more immune.
2. I have a comeback line. It’s “your turn and see what you can do.” I’m the guy in the ring. Not you. Being a critic is easy. Too easy. So shutup! 🙂

But thankfully most folks are supportive. The worse critic is the one with the voice in my head. I can be my own worse critic.

And part of facing fears is mastering that voice.  Take away it’s power. I’ll be talking more on this point in my next Marketing Mastermind. That, and photography marketing, of course.

I have  a full roster of stuff to talk about. And I feel strongly that facing your fears and demons and growing is ESSENTIAL to being successful in your photography business.

Yours in success,

Rob

P.S. Pushing the boundaries and growing has a ripple effect. It helps my business, my marketing and my profits grow. This is sort of a bonus, and I’ll take it.