Hey Reader,

Quote of the Week:

- Simon Sinek, Start With Why​

What I’m Enjoying: The AI integration in Notion. If you're unfamiliar with Notion, it's a productivity app that allows you to create databases, calendars, wikis, tasks, and more. I've used it repeatedly on and off over the past few years because of commitment issues. But I love the new AI integration. You can learn more about it here.

Boast of the Week: One of the first people I coached has their manuscript with an editor right now! She was kind enough and brave enough to be a test subject for a truncated version of my course, Get Your Side Business Off the Ground. Congratulations, Mary! I'm proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone. 👏👏

Entrepreneurship Topic: Risk-Taking and Embracing Being a Beginner (Very Scary for Most)

Today, I want to discuss the importance of taking risks and embracing being a beginner. These two things can feel intimidating, but they are essential to growth in both personal and business pursuits. Below, I share some tips that have helped me in my journey, and I hope they can inspire you too.

As someone who started my business mostly in secret while working full-time, being a beginner can be incredibly intimidating, especially as an adult, I was nervous people would find out about my business and think I was STUPID and should quit!

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Fear of Failure: When you're a beginner, you're bound to make mistakes. Adults want to avoid making mistakes, especially in a professional setting. Then think back to being in school where you're supposed to be right. The fear of failure can prevent us from ever trying something new, let alone pursuing a new career path.
2. Imposter Syndrome: As a beginner, it's easy to feel like an imposter. You may think that you don't have the skills or experience to succeed in something new. This feeling can be powerful for women who feel we must be overqualified for a job even to be considered. For example, I started writing and blogging years before getting paid. I was always sure that everybody else knew more or was better at it than I was, for no real reason except I was a beginner.
3. Lack of Confidence: Starting something new can make us feel vulnerable and exposed. When we're a beginner, we need more confidence that comes with experience, which can make it challenging to put ourselves out there and take risks. But like anything else, taking risks gets easier the more you do it. I'm talking about calculated risks, not being a daredevil for no reason but for the sake of risk.

Despite these challenges, being a beginner is a powerful place to be. It allows us to approach our work with fresh eyes and a willingness to learn. As a new entrepreneur, embracing the beginner's mindset has helped me stay curious, open-minded, and willing to take risks.

So, if you're intimidated by being a beginner, remember that it's natural to feel that way. But don't let that fear hold you back from pursuing your curiosities. Instead, embrace the challenges of being a beginner and dare to keep pushing forward.

Tips for Embracing Risk-Taking and Embracing Being a Beginner

Being a Beginner

• Remember, mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.
• It's crucial to be okay with being a beginner.
• We often hold ourselves to high standards and expect perfection right out of the gate. However, that could be more realistic. There's no such thing as perfect, and perfectionism is a scam that keeps you from taking action.
• Instead, be patient with yourself as you learn new skills and take on new challenges.
• Embrace the beginner's mindset, and allow yourself to make mistakes.
• Remember, mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.

A Propensity for Action

• I've learned over the years to have a propensity for action. It's something I continue to work towards.
• Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; instead, seek them out and take the leap. Scary, right?
• Breakthroughs will only happen if you're willing to make them happen yourself.
• If there's something you want to do, don't wait for someone else to make it happen—make it happen yourself! This mentality is why I can do many things outside of entrepreneurship, like traveling alone, which I enjoy.

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Taking risks and being a beginner can be uncomfortable, but they are part of growing. By embracing the beginner's mindset, exploring your curiosities, and having a propensity for action, you'll be on your way to achieving your goals and discovering new ones.

Thanks for being here!

xoxo

Serena
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