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Why I Almost Didn’t Write This Post and How I Beat My Inner Critic

- October 14, 2010 | by April -

{Mixed Media Original Art on Etsy}

Why I Almost Didn’t Write This Post

I sat down to write this post, and I almost talked myself out it. I’d decided that I was going to share my goals from now until the end of November with my lovely readers, but then my inner critic crept in and said, “What happens if you don’t reach those goals? Then you’ll have to tell your readers that you couldn’t do it, that you suck.”

Then I started thinking, “Hmmm, that’s unpleasant. Maybe I should keep my goals to myself…just in case I don’t reach them. That way, it’s not so bad.”

After a couple of minutes of brainstorming new topics I realized what was happening. I was letting that soul-sucking monster that lives in my head win. And, I’m too damn stubborn to let that happen.

Here’s the thing. We all have that inner critic. The voice that tells us we’re not good enough and laughs at our art. The one who constantly asks, “Who do you think you are doing that? Trying that? Making that?”

How I Beat My Inner Critic

Well, guess what inner critic? You don’t get to win today.

I beat my inner critic by reminding myself that I encourage others to hold themselves accountable by sharing their goals, and thinking about the worst case scenario that could happen if I didn’t reach my goals. It’s not like you’re going to come and egg my house if I don’t accomplish everything I say I want to achieve.

I mean, really, what’s going to happen if I can’t do it? Asking myself that question took away my inner critic’s power and made sharing my goals not so scary.

So, let’s get to it. Here are my goals from now until November 30th:

  • Write 20 guest posts. {I know this sounds like a lot, but I’m pretty intense. Plus, I love to write}
  • Interview 4 artists/crafters and post those podcasts.
  • Sell 20 items from our Etsy shop.
  • Launch our first online product. {more about this to come soon}
  • Gain 100 more blog and newsletter subscribers.
  • Publish two free ebooks.
  • Continue to post 5 times per week on Blacksburg Belle.

I think it’s going to take a lot of hard work to reach those goals, but I’m down for working really hard. In fact, I love to work hard. And I’ll share my results with you on December 1st.

If you want to help me reach my goals, you could:

  • Subscribe to my blog and newsletter {if you’re not already subscribed}
  • Invite me to guest post on your blog {contact me at blacksburgbelle@gmail.com}
  • Take a look at our Etsy shop, and keep us in mind when you do your holiday shopping
  • Or just send me a note of encouragement!

What goals do you have that seem too scary too share? What’s holding you back? And what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t reach those goals? If you really think about it, I bet it’s not as bad as it seems.

11 Comments · Filed Under: Creative Business Development, Goals

Comments

  1. Marissa says

    October 14, 2010 at 11:38 am

    Another great post! I’m a follower on facebook already but I’ll sign up for your newsletter. You know my blog is just in the begining stages but if you would like to write a guest post on it then I would love that! Just let me know. Also I have my eye on a pair of your beautiful earrings on your Etsy shop! Us crafty girls have to stick together!

    Reply
    • April says

      October 14, 2010 at 12:26 pm

      Thanks Marissa! I’d love to write a guest post for your blog {I’ll send you an email}, and I loved your last post on the DIY earring display project–great tutorial for crafters.

      And, yes, us crafty girls do need to stick together šŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Mayi Carles @ Heartmade says

    October 14, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    Ohh wao you are on fire girl! Congratulations on posting. You have won half the battle already by conquering your fear. Your goals sound fantastic + the with what I’ve seen that you can do I think you can totally do it girl!

    As a fan I promise to:
    1. subscribe to your newsletter
    2. encourage you in everyway i can, like for example sending you smily faces and YAAAYYYY tweets every time you reach one of your goals!
    3. visit your shop + tell all my friends that you rock + to keep you in mind for x-mas.
    4. give you an all access heartmade contributors coupon that you can use whenever you want to come chat + post a guest post šŸ™‚ you are always welcomed here.

    xo šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • April says

      October 14, 2010 at 12:28 pm

      Oh my gosh, Mayi, I seriously heart you! Thanks for supporting me….I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  3. Olivia says

    October 14, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Congratulations! That’s the spirit!
    Good luck with all your goals.

    Reply
    • April says

      October 16, 2010 at 9:29 am

      Thanks Olivia!

      Reply
  4. Isidora says

    October 15, 2010 at 6:55 am

    I support you! Your blog is such a refreshment to me and really, really helpful. Thank to you, I’ve decided to work on my marketing plan and improve every little bit of my work. You will reach your goals, I’m sure you will.

    Reply
    • April says

      October 16, 2010 at 9:30 am

      I’m so glad you’ve been inspired by my blog and thanks for the encouragement!

      Reply
  5. Angela Flicker says

    October 21, 2010 at 7:27 am

    These are great goals! Yes, they are very ambitious but I think they are totally attainable. Good luck!

    Reply
    • April says

      October 21, 2010 at 10:43 am

      Thanks Angela….I’m already more than halfway done with a couple of them, and it’s not even November šŸ™‚

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Outcome of Last Month's Goals and an Announcement | Blacksburg Belle says:
    November 30, 2010 at 5:03 am

    […] the end of October, I wrote a post outlining my goals for the rest of that month and November. I also said that I’d share the […]

    Reply

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