Do you ever struggle with doubt?
Worry that you’re not smart enough or good enough at what you do? That there are too many others out there doing the same thing–and doing it better?
Today’s episode will help put those worries behind you.
I used to deal with doubt too, until I learned the truth about experts. In four steps, I replaced those fears with new beliefs that helped propel me and my business forward. They’ll do the same for you.
Question of the Day!
Have you ever struggled with doubts about your expertise? How did you overcome it? Let us know right now in the comments below! And remember, one lucky member will be chosen at random to win a copy of Barrie Davenport’s new book, The 52-Week Life Passion Project.
Comments
Welcome to another episode, team! Share your thoughts below, comment on other comments, and keep our community going strong!
Jason
Jason, grateful for watching this episode, it’s so relevant to my transitional voyage. Speaking your own truth and voyage comes across so well too! Bravo!
If you are passing through Paris do let me know, or if you would like some food recos, just let me know.
Thanks again for putting things into perspective.
David,
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. I say it often, but it’s true every time–I’m beyond grateful for each of you, my small tribe of Sixers, who watch, listen, and learn (if I’ve done my job, of course).
I was excited to begin this new phase of my career and it turns out I was right to feel that way. Great things are ahead for us all.
Thank you again, David. I hope to live up to the expectations you and the community have for me.
Jason
Great info Jason! Really needed to hear that right now!
Chris
Chris,
Thanks for watching!
So much of our time and attention as expert entrepreneurs is spent on tech and traffic and conversion and sales, but we sometimes forget that negative thoughts, whispering in the back of our minds, can cause far more damage than an ineffective lead generation strategy.
By freeing ourselves from these doubts and worries, we literally lift pressure from our shoulders and figuratively from our minds, giving ourselves the chance to charge ahead with our vision without fear holding us back.
Jason
Hi Jason! Your video today is spot on! “You know far more than you think you do.” Is so true. I laughed when you talked about giving advice and your client not knowing what you were talking about because you assumed they knew the basics. This happened to me and was one of the turning points for me believing in myself. I was helping someone get there business online. I told them the first thing they were going to do this week was get there Facebook business page set up. That was there homework. When I spoke to them a week later they sheepishly said “But I don’t know how to do that.” At first I was a bit perplexed by this. It wasn’t so much that they didn’t know how to do it, but that they didn’t find out how to do it. I read, I use google, Youtube etc, to figure out how to do something. This person made me realise that not everyone does this! I mean there’s tonnes of videos out there that would have shown them how to do this. I made a video for her, going through the step by step process of how to set up her Facebook business page. I put my personality into it, I use humour (well, I think I’m funny
) She thought I was marvellous! I was the best thing since sliced bread. In her eyes I was the expert. I knew just a little bit more than what she did and was able to get her from A to B. Like you say in the video. The key is getting results. Solution focused. Thanks Jason, and enjoy your holidays. Looking forward to your next post.
Angela,
I honestly don’t know where to begin…
The fact that you went above and beyond like that is incredible. Customer service is rarely seen these days, especially with the impersonal world of online business, so for you to shoot a step-by-step video for her puts you far above the average entrepreneur. I love that kind of care and hustle, Angela.
Then your understanding about today’s message–you got it perfectly. Though doubt creeps in, we can quickly push it back with simple truths…results, point A to point B, solutions.
And you’re absolutely right. Though the answer is often a Google search or YouTube video away, most people don’t put in that type of effort to solve their problems. As experts, we have already done the homework, the hustle, the hard chore of learning/experiencing/living our topic. That is why we are so valuable.
We save our clients time and money and energy…we give them back their lives.
This is exactly the type of response I was hoping for when I shot this video. Your story not only proves the point but it also demonstrates the right way to run an expert business–over deliver at every turn.
You are also exactly the type of person I wanted to reach when I launched this business. I’m so happy that our paths crossed and that you are part of this growing community.
Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for the kind and motivational words. I truly appreciate your response. This is a community a definitely want to be apart of.
Thank you
Angela
Angela,
It’s truly my pleasure. It’s only because of people like you that I’m able to do what I love.
Jason
Great points, and the genuine humility you demonstrate will likely win you even more fans. Keep up the great work, Jason!
Stephen,
Love to see you drop in, my friend. If I get the nod from you, I know I must be doing something right.
I know how hard you experts have to work, how much you hustle and struggle and give to succeed. Hard to be anything but humble when I’m serving that type of crowd.
Jason
Hi Jason!
You are so authentic and your smile just beams through the camera. I always love your content and am using it to start booking clients. I’m pretty nervous about it, but will try to overcome my fear and doubt.
No show for 2 weeks? Noooooo!
Dee,
If there’s anyone who need not worry about her expertise, it is you. Your grasp of concepts and principles, and well as actionable tips and strategies is incredible. You get results, before and now, and that is the key.
Not only do you know far more than you think you do…you know more than that.
I know it’s going to be terrible without seeing my smiling face chat with you for two weeks, but when I return I’ll be sure to over deliver on stories, content, and all around awesomeness.
Until I return, go get those clients and remember–we all doubt, you know more than you think you do, you’re in a market of one, and you get results.
Jason
Hey Jason!
These 4 points were the exact reminders I needed to hear today. I’ve been struggling in many ways with calling myself an expert and now I’m feeling much better about it
.
It’s so true that most people I know and who I serve are at a level 1 maybe 2 at best when it comes to their level of understanding of personal development, entrepreneurship and lifestyle design. I may not be a 10 yet, but I’ve consumed thousands and thousands of hours of information and know so much valuable information that can greatly improve people’s lives.
And to know that even the top experts feel the same way I feel is very reassuring too. And I really like the “market of one” concept. I remember my trainer in my coaching program saying that “no one is a better coach than you, and you are not better than any coach”. Information is everyone, so people will pay for personalized support to implement the information.
Of all the videos in this series so far, this one is my favourite hands down. Thanks for doing the work you do Jason. I know I’m not the only one who appreciates it and is getting plenty of value from it.
Have fun in Europe and I look forward to your posts from the road!
Clayton,
I couldn’t have said it any better. You don’t have to be the absolute best in your field to have value and worth. If you can make a tangible difference in your customers’ lives, you’re expert enough.
I can assure you, even the top dogs doubt. We’re all human and can’t avoid those natural discomforts or worries. But what makes them the top dogs, and what’s going to help you grow your own business, is the ability to feel those doubts and move forward despite them.
Thank you for sharing this comment with me and the community. I’m truly thankful for having someone with your mind and experience in our group.
Jason
Thank you for giving me that small reminder I needed. Took some bold moves last week, and will be taking more this week. I’m glad to contribute to such a great community as this one.
You’re a testament to what compassion + commitment can create in the world.
I look forward to future episodes of SFE TV!
Clayton,
Can’t wait to hear about the progress you’re making.
Jason
Hello,
Thank you for this video Jason! I am just beginning on the journey of developing my brand and having an online presence. This was just the encouragement I needed this morning to keep going with my research of how to make an online business a possibility for me. I am only 26 and am often doubting that I am qualified, but this video reminded me that my unique skills, education and experience can make up something that should shared.
Thanks again,
Erin
Erin,
I’m thrilled to hear the video helped you recognize that, despite your worries, you have valuable information to share with your people. How sad a thought to think of all the people who had a message inside but were too afraid to let it out.
It all comes down to results. If your skills, education, and experience can help move your people from Point A to Point B, you have to get out there and help as many people as possible.
One last thing…never let age stand in your way either. I started when I was 23, ran two companies by 24, and wrote three books by 25. The fact that you’re young only means you have more energy, ideas, and time to play with. It’s an asset!
Thank you, Erin, for watching the episode and for sharing your comment. Without you and your cohorts, none of this would be possible. I’m truly grateful for you.
Jason
Hi Jason,
I LOVE this!!! It is always so wonderful to watch and listen to you! This was great because I need to be reminded of this every now and then! And I was reminded this week by some of my members when I was doubting myself- as far as my “expertise” goes and they said “you think you don’t know these things because they are so easy for you, you don’t see how valuable they are” and they are right- some things that I don’t even consider “golden nuggets of information” REALLY ARE!!!
I try to help my members with self-doubt all the time and most of the time it really works- everyone needs a little encouragement, a pat on the back or a little push.
Thanks for reminding me
I hope you have a great time in Europe, I will miss not seeing your video the next two weeks- but hope you are going to have FUN!!!! Have a safe trip- I will miss you!!!
Beth,
The instant I saw your name and face I knew I would feel great after reading whatever you wrote; there is so much life and passion in your words!
You hit on such an important point. Time and again we dive so deeply into our field that we lose sight of the start. We literally can’t remember what it feels like to not know what we know so well. But, as you know, our people are often just beginning and need step-by-step guidance through the basic information we learned so long ago.
The greatest takeaway from your comment? Only when you actually engage with your audience do you realize just how much of a helpful expert you are. You didn’t think your way out of doubt–you talked to your people, helped them and listened to them, and heard from their mouths and minds just how valuable your expertise is.
Few things wipe away doubt as quickly as your people telling you how much you’re helping them. We all need to follow your lead and tune in to our audience’s thoughts and feelings. Do that, and doubt will have a hard time remaining in charge.
Jason
Jason, you are a pleasure to listen to. I was having this very conversation yesterday with a friend who has just been made redundant. She has incredible talents to pass onto others but just does not realize what she has to sell. I will send a link of your video to her and it will help compound what I was saying to her yesterday. Thank you so much for the insightful post given at just the right time for us!
Joan
Joan,
I feel silly writing it so often (I imagine you guys rolling your eyes after the tenth time reading it), but I am so blown away by how awesome you all are. The level of expertise, professionalism, kindness, intelligence, and engagement is something I’ve never experienced before.
Crossing paths with people like you is why I love what I do.
You know better than most just how powerful these doubts can be. Your friend has obvious talent, but like most people, she devalues it. I’m so happy that she has someone like you in her life to set her straight.
We don’t have to change the world overnight. We don’t have to hold the key to the greatest idea known to man. We merely have to help our people get to where they want to go, with honesty and integrity and compassion.
If your friend can help one person with her talent, that is time well spent. In the end, if she goes for it, she’ll help far more than one.
Jason
Hi Jason,
Spot on as usual. Currently, I am working on a book to be titled: “Death by Procrastination” and the doubt that arises out of fear is the “Great Destroyer” of life. While many mistakenly cite perfectionism as the cause of procrastination, it is, in fact, that insidious little 4 letter “F” word-fear that is at the root of our problems. Procrastination and fear can and often does destroy everything that is important in our lives from success, wealth, self esteem and so much more as in the case of my brother-it actually caused his death. Unfortunately, few realize that procrastination is nothing more than a pernicious habit which can easily be overcome with a little rational thinking, analysis and forethought.
Anyway, thanks again for this important reminder.
Stan
Stan,
I have to begin by offering my deepest sympathies. Losing anyone is a heartbreaking experience.
It takes great courage to turn that tragedy into a message of hope and inspiration. Your message and book are going to help many lives for, as you rightly said, fear and procrastination are incredibly powerful deterrents to a life lived well.
Every tomorrow holds so much potential, but when doubt is given the loudest voice, that potential is shouted down and replaced with routine, with settling for less, with sadness and hopelessness.
It doesn’t have to be that way of course. The people in our community are proof of that. They feel worry, they feel fear, but nevertheless they charge ahead.
Your book is going to keep that cycle going strong.
Jason
Wonderful post Jason. Doubt surely is like a voice behind our thoughts, inhibiting us from launching.
In the spirit of community, I would also like to thank Stan Pontiere’s comments on “Death by Procrastination”. I sometimes sentence myself to that. The connection between fear and procrastination is revealing. I have also read that it may not necessarily be the fear of failing, but the fear of succeeding.
Jason, thank you for having confidence in us.
Stanley,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for calling out Stan–that is the heart and soul of community.
You make an excellent point. The fear of success can often be as strong as, if not stronger than, the fear of failure. Living up to higher expectations, losing the friends and family around you…these are powerful deterrents that keep many people from growing.
Just another reason why it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people from the start.
Thank you again, Stanley. I hope we see you again soon.
Jason
I am really enjoying getting to know you through these videos. I’m learning a lot from you as we work to position ourselves as experts in our space. The other thing I really appreciated in this vid is what you said about your Ben Franklin obsession.
. No one picks just one expert. They collect them. And each stands out for their own reason. You stand out to me because you are so warm, sincere and genuine. You do a great job of not assuming…and not taking over our heads…but also not talking down either. It’s a balance and you do it well. Thanks so much for all you do.
Karen,
You are too, too kind. Though it can be hard to believe in these times, I am an honest, sincere businessman and coach who truly wants to help my people succeed, but it’s the community that makes this all work.
Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. So it should be me thanking you.
(About my Franklin interest (or, perhaps, slight obsession), while in Europe I actually got to tour his London residence. A dream come true. It had the original floors, walls, stairwell, and fireplace mantles and hearths. I couldn’t believe it! Okay…moving on.)
You are absolutely right, Karen. Few people choose a single source of information. They gather, and when they do, they find unique gems in them all.
Jason
“Fear limits the inner power.”
You pushed a button here Jason. So many people fear to make mistakes; we were raised to make less and less mistakes. We fear to be judged. We always seek SOCIAL APPROVAL. But know what you only need to be successful is faith+hard work.
Thank you for the great post.
Sincerely
Yassin,
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughts.
The fear of abandonment and the need for approval is an instinct we can’t avoid; acceptance equaled survival. But the world is different now. Mammoths and saber-toothed tigers have been replaced with criticism and judgement.
Luckily, these can’t bite off our legs, so when we feel the fear we can and must overcome it. Those who do, grow. Those who don’t, regret.
I think you’re definitely with the latter.
Jason
Hey Jason, thanks for this episode of Six Figure Expert TV! It really gave me that boost in the level of confidence I have for when I pitch to my classmates about choosing me to help them with their portfolio websites. I’m going to rock their world with my presentation!
I generally weigh the level of information I know to the level of expertise I have, and the truth of the matter is, like you said, I know enough. I know more than the person I’m helping because they’re not in my industry, following what I follow, practicing what I’m practicing. Sometimes I psych myself into thinking I need to know everything from the basics to advanced before I can approach people with my knowledge and skills.
I’m going to try to get as much raving reviews and case studies so that my work will sell itself and I don’t have to feel all sales-y. Now those examples can help show my expertise, but what can I do to help show my passion [for the work]?
Thanks, again,
Sam
Sam,
I love your enthusiasm. You are driven and focused and I have no doubt that you’ll be a huge success.
I like that you picked up on the fact that most of the people we help aren’t experts in our field. They are simply dropping by for some quick results while we are dedicating our lives to the topic. As a result, we have the answers they need, despite doubts to the contrary.
Your plan sounds perfect. Let your happy customers do the selling for you, although don’t fear putting yourself forward as a valuable resource that is worth the investment.
Your passion for your work will shine through in how you write and speak about it. I can already tell that you’re passionate, from just three paragraphs. Another tip is to demonstrate deep knowledge of your subject.
When you cover aspects of your field that only those with a long history of firsthand experience know, you separate yourself from the dabblers and become a true expert.
Jason
Thanks for the good suggestions Jason.
Unfortunately, mostly I’ve let fear keep me from making big career changes. I let it keep me from coaching 10 years ago, photography, and currently I’m on the fence about creating an expertise business because I’m really not clear or confident in what would be my expertise. I’m more of a generalist ( marketing, personal growth, health, and now writing).
Any suggestions?
Hi Brad,
Sounds like you are interested in many different things. This doesn’t have to be a negative thing. It’s just our conditioning, society tells us we need to pick one thing and do that for the rest of our lives. Not true. I’m also interested in a variety of things. All the interests you list above is actually perfect for starting your own business. Personal growth and health fit nicely together, you will be writing content for your business and you need to know about marketing so you can let people who are just waiting for your unique style know that you are there. So these interests work in your favour. There’s a new term for people like us who enjoy many different and varied things. Google multipotentialites. I think connecting with these people will be of help to you. All the best Brad. You’ll find your way
Brad,
First things first, thank you for watching and for sharing your question. I sincerely appreciate both.
Second, Angela offered great advice. Your many interests don’t have to be a negative; they can be a powerful asset. Also, keep in mind that you can have interests that don’t necessarily have to become businesses.
On that note, I would pass your interests through the following filters. The areas you mentioned are large and should easily pass these tests, but if you’re thinking of niches within these fields, ask yourself…
1. Is there a large enough market to sustain a business? You may be passionate about juggling cats (don’t let Steve Martin know), but if enough other people don’t share that interest, it’s going to be a struggle.
2. Do you solve a real problem? As a lifelong entrepreneur, I love ABC’s Shark Tank, the show in which aspiring businessmen and women pitch their ideas to a group of “sharks” hoping for an investment. I’ve seen some pretty creative products and services, but many times those products and services don’t solve a real problem. An example was a pillow with a hood sewn into it. Though the creator was passionate about the idea, the sharks were skeptical. People weren’t wishing for a pillow with a hood–it wasn’t a problem they wanted solved. (When they also mentioned a neck pillow with a hood, things turned around.)
3. Can your market be easily reached? The market might be massive and have a pressing problem they want solved, but if you can’t reach them? No use. Ask yourself, can you easily get in front of the people you want to help? Do they subscribe to magazines, blogs, newsletters, channels, etc? Do they visit the same sites or organizations or outlets? Do they somehow allow you to speak to them?
4. Do they have money to spend? A few years ago I listened to a marketing “hot seat,” in which new entrepreneurs pitched ideas to a pro for immediate feedback. One excited businessman explained his idea for a service to help unemployed people find work. His program was around $500. Everything seemed to be going well until the pro pointed out the obvious: unemployed workers don’t have $500 to spend on a digital product.
5. Are you a true expert? This doesn’t need to be asked in this community, where everyone already knows the requirement, but whenever you enter a market I want you to ask yourself: Do I have truly valuable information that can deliver results? There are enough false prophets online–we have to refuse to add an inch to their line.
6. Are you truly passionate? Growing an “expert business” is hard work. It requires focus, effort, energy, hours, days, weeks, months. If you don’t enjoy the work, you won’t last. But when you choose to dive into an area you love, the work, as they often say, becomes play. When that happens, your audience will feel it in every word you write, every sentence you speak, and every smile you share.
Jason
Jason, great message today, perfectly on point for me and all your other followers. I have been a consultant for many years and absolutely presented information to prospects and clients that was way over their knowledge and experience level and had to retrench midway through a presentation to lay a foundation on which the client would receive some benefit. Through these experiences I learned that everyone benefits from the expert starting with the basics and “getting everyone on the same page” and building slowly and methodically from there. It always works well, is always considered helpful by the audience and truely positions the writer or speaker as a well-rounded expert to which everyone, no matter what level of knowledge they have can go to for help. Your message today brought that valuable lesson back to me and will definately help me to move forward. Thank you so much.
Gail,
This is brilliant! The perfect example directly from the trenches. Thank you SO much for sharing this. Not only does it clearly demonstrate that most people are starting off at square one but it also shows how valuable it is to cover the basics of our expertise.
We’re lucky to have you, Gail. Without a doubt.
Jason
Hi Jason,
I recently wrote about this same topic on http://www.BarrieDavenport.com, the site you helped me get started. We are all expert enough at something. We have enough knowledge to help many, many people. So glad you drilled that into my head.
I definitely had doubts when I first started my expert business. But I had a secret weapon to help me deal with them — I hired a coach. Oh yeah — that would be you!!
Barrie,
It’s always a treat to have one of my favorite clients drop in!
You’re not merely “expert enough.” You are a full-fledged master of your topic and are going to help countless people in an area that trumps most others.
You invested years in developing your skills, adding more and more value to your ideas and insights. And, now, that effort is paying off.
Despite the doubts, you made it happen and I couldn’t be happier for you.
Jason
PS Jason if you are coming to Spain, Id like to invite you to join one of our tapas & vino walking tours on the house. Just shoot me an email. best, D
Dan,
Thanks for the invite, Dan! Though I didn’t pass through Spain, I’ll keep that in mind for my next trip overseas!
Jason
Hey Jason!
Thanks for the advice about overcoming doubt — definitely something I’ve battled in the past (and I’m sure it’ll crop up again at some point in the future). What helps me most when doubt creeps in is listening to the wisdom of others (like yourself) who remind me that everyone is unique, and has a distinct skill set and expertise to offer, and there is no other “me” out there who can offer what I have to offer in quite the same way. It’s not about knowing everything there is to know about your topic (though knowing more than your audience is key) — the difference is your delivery, your personality, and your path.
Keep up the good work!
Cailen
Cailen,
Exactly. Nearly every subject under the sun has been covered, and covered many times, but never identically. We bring countless twists and turns to our topics that make them uniquely ours.
Thank you for sharing this, and doing so in a clear and powerful way.
Jason
Loved this message Jason!
Some people, (like me) have thicker skulls than others about learning because we are afraid to admit we are afraid. For me it took a random gangland bullet nearly killing me to realize that I was wasting soooo much time on BS selfish fears.
Truth is MOST people couldn’t care less what you or I or Jason does.
BUT the people you can uniquely help will love you forever and you will feel great for helping them. The more you serve, the greater your powers grow.
Family dinner calls here in Spain :-> warmly, DanO
Dan,
Incredible story. You know better than most anyone else how important it is to overcome our fears and push beyond our comfort zone. Thank you for sharing such a personal and moving experience.
You bring up a great point. Though we worry about judgment and criticism, in truth people aren’t watching as closely as we think. And even when they are, the damage inflicted is something we can easily toss aside.
If you’re pleasing everyone, chances are you’re doing something wrong.
Jason
Hello Jason,
Thanks for this great topic! But I have also another question – which camera do you use? This is really great picture. Thank you and wish you the best.
Nikol,
Great question! I use a Canon 60D and love it. Easy to use, great quality, and more affordable than a lot of other DSLRs out there.
Here is a link on Amazon (not an affiliate link).
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-CMOS-Digital-Camera-3-0-Inch/dp/B0040JHVCC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364090606&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+60d
If you or anyone else has a question about the setup, just let me know!
Jason
Great episode, Jason. You have an excellent, calming quality that is perfect for people (ahem) that may be nervous/excited about going out on their own.
I’ve doubted my expertise on a couple occasions, but I overcame it the same way. The first time was my first every conference call with a huge, national company. It was little ol’ me on one end and their marketing and IT teams on the other. I was incredibly nervous…
The second time was my first speaking engagement at an industry conference. I spent the entire day going over my speech, nervously watching the other (seemingly, way more qualified speakers) present before I went on.
I overcame these experiences by simply getting comfortable being uncomfortable. In fact, that goal was the whole reason I signed up to speak at the event. The more I talked to these intimidating clients, the easier it got. The more I spoke in front of crowds, the better it went.
If I feel myself getting nervous, I always tell myself “Remember, you’re the expert. They are here to learn from YOU.”
As a result, the first huge company later signed a huge extension with the agency I was at at the time and I nailed the speaking engagement; people literally lined up to talk to me afterwards when nobody knew who I was in the corner before I went on. Awesome feeling.
David,
Thank you for watching and for your kind words. Truly appreciated.
And thank you for sharing your stories! I love comments like these, firsthand experiences that prove the point and offer hope and motivation to anyone else reading them.
I’m beyond impressed with your choices. Most people turn and run when they’re afraid. You actually set a goal to face your fears head on. That’s inspiring.
And it worked! You pushed beyond your comfort zone and learned a powerful life lesson. Though we’re afraid, we can still move forward. When we do, we grow, evolve, and quiet those voices of doubt.
Thank you, David. We’re lucky to have you.
Jason
PS. Congrats on landing the extension!
Thank you for another excellent video.
In answer to your question, I consider Doubt as one of my closest friends. It has helped me so many times in my business career. I have this saying, “If in doubt, find it out.”
As soon as I doubt something, I stop and ask myself, “What exactly am I doubting here and is this doubt real or imaginary?” Once I have found the source of doubt and it is real, I know exactly where I need to act. And if it is imaginary, I recognise it for what it is – that initial pang of fear whenever you are faced with something new and unfamiliar.
People think of doubt as this great big monster that wants to eat your face whereas really it is just your buddy sitting next to you in your car saying, “Hey watch out for that pothole ahead!”
Phil,
What a great attitude. Not only that, but what a great system for dealing with doubt. Like David above, this is precisely the type of comment I hope to see–solid, proven advice that can help all of the people who stop by our community and read these words.
Separating real danger from imagined is brilliant. Most of the things we fear never happen. To acknowledge that fact early on puts you far ahead of the pack.
Love it, Phil. It’s clear you’re going to be a true asset to this community of future six-figure experts.
Jason
This is something I’ve been struggling with a lot lately. As a Bellydance student, transitioning to being a teacher is really tough. There are so many dancers out there that are so much better than me and it’s hard to convince myself that I have something to offer. But with 7 years of experience dancing and performing, I definitely do.
I think it has a lot to do with the idea that I assume everyone else is on my level, like you said.
So far I’ve been overcoming my fears by doing one thing that makes me really nervous every day. Contacting a new place to try to set up classes, writing a class description that I don’t have any idea if anyone will like. I figure imperfect action is better than no action.
Thanks for the inspiration Jason!
Tiffany,
I know exactly how you feel about that transition. In my early twenties, I went from employee to president of the sports academy where I worked. Stepping up as an expert is one thing, but doing so surrounded by people who, just the day before, were on the same level is something entirely different.
I love your strategy for overcoming fear. Dealing with that feeling of discomfort is a skill, a muscle that can be trained and built. You’re doing it, and will reap the benefits for the rest of your life.
Thank you for sharing this idea Tiff!
Jason
I offer an expert service to my clients and I’ve struggled with self-doubt ever since I started. I find the only way to overcome this is to just do what know the best I can, and like compounded interest, the experience improves my confidence. Thanks for the tips, as I need every bit of help I can get to become more of an expert.
Wayne,
You hit the nail on the head. We can listen, learn, talk, think…but actually getting up and doing something is the best way to overcome the challenge. I would be worried if you settled for what you already knew, but it’s clear you’re a lifelong learner and have earned the title of Expert.
Jason
Another very enjoyable video Jason, great advice as always!
I have one piece of advice that I think will really help everyone, we tend to be very harsh on ourselves, and those positive comments and feedback that we get from people tend to be brushed aside as we focus on what could be inadequate about us, and what we need to improve, rather than all the things that we do so well.
Start a Pinterest board and every time you get a positive comment from a client, or someone you’ve helped… add it to the board, and when you’re feeling doubtful as to whether you are ‘expert enough’, go back and look at all the people you’ve helped, and keep on truckin’
I started mine just a couple of weeks ago, you’ll be surprised how they add up… http://pinterest.com/vmfltd/success-stories/
That’s a good idea Michelle, I write them in my journal, or on an index card and stick them up on my wall. Didn’t think of putting them up on pinterest.
Michelle,
I LOVE this idea!
People naturally focus on the negative; 1,000 positive comments will fade from sight when sitting next to a single negative word. But you have the perfect antidote.
The right sentiment, at the right time, can change a life. You went far beyond a single nod of appreciation and compiled an incredible group of testimonials. I’m blown away, Michelle,
How could you not feel on top of the world, motivated and inspired, after reading those???
Thank you SO much for watching and for sharing. Love to have you part of this group.
Jason
It is surprising how doubt and fear can make us look inwards and ignore the outside world of situations and people.
Thank you, Jason, for giving me perspective. Will let you know how your advice helps me as life unfolds.
Ian,
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to post your comment. I am grateful for every word you all write.
I’m going to hold you to your promise–I want an update on what you’ve accomplished asap!
Jason
Jason,
Another great video!
I learned to put my fear and self-doubt behind me when I found out that I know more than someone who is just starting. I didn’t understand that I know more than I think I know!
Brian,
Thank you! This is the most common issue I see with experts. They’re so deep in their topic that they don’t realize everyone else is just getting started. I’m thrilled to hear that you avoided that trap and recognize the truth.
Jason
Thank you for your words of wisdom. It is reassuring to know I am not alone on my journey to self-growth and in assisting and guiding others making changes in their career paths and journeys.
Robin,
It’s truly my pleasure to share these thoughts and ideas with you.
You are most certainly not alone. As you can see with all of our other members, the worry is natural and universal. The difference comes in how we deal with the fear. While most others let it beat them, you keep pushing forward.
Love it.
Jason
The point you made about our clients/readers being at a level one is key. It’s something I learned recently. It’s easy to discount what I know because it seems so “second nature”. It’s a key insight that is helpful to everyone as they get started…because I think that many of us do the same thing (discount our skills/knowledge). This is especially true in a skillset that is self-taught or learned through a course of hands-on experience…versus a result of traditional education (like a degree, certification, etc)
When I realized that everyone–as you point out–is in the same boat when it comes to doubts about their skills, business, life…it made it much easier to gain and exhibit confidence in my own skills and abilities.
Steve,
You’re absolutely right, especially your point about degrees versus self-taught. Without that piece of paper to shield us, it puts all of the pressure directly on us and our expert claims. Being an expert isn’t for the faint of heart.
Jason
Thanks so much Jason,
Even though I remind myself from time to time of the great stuff you spoke about in the video, I need to hear it again- often. For me, it’s part of the price I pay for stepping out and doing something that often feels risky or unconventional. And that’s okay – it’s a price I am more than prepared to pay, for the amazing rewards that my business has already gifted me in this early phase.
I remind myself that some of the stuff that my own brain tells me is not always reliable, even though it’s coming from my own brain – strange, I know! Doubt and fear are just feelings. Feelings can be useful for sure, but mostly when I look closer at doubt and fear, they are not much more than my ‘inner granny’ telling me not to try, not to be different, not to take any chances, and not to fail, at any cost.
My brain seems to treat these feelings as real threats to my wellbeing. So I have to tell myself (my scared brain, actually) that it’s okay – okay to have these feelings, okay to act on them if need be, and okay to let them go and take calculated risks that build and prosper.
So thank you for your support. It all helps.
Toni,
This was a wonderful message. Thank you for writing it, for me and for everyone who visits in the future. I love what you said about paying the price of being an expert, a price well worth paying.
It’s not easy in our business. It demands guts, thick skins, unending effort and raw hustle. But I wouldn’t change a thing. People value little which comes easy, not to mention that these barriers keep the fakes outside while the true experts make the cut.
Reading your final paragraphs reminded me of the “lizard brain.” In prehistoric times, our ancient brain’s alert system was perfectly suited for the environment; our sense of fear was triggered by real dangers.
Since then, we’ve created relatively safe environments, but no one told the lizard brain, so it continues to trigger our fear response despite the fact that we’re often in no danger of real harm.
Your recognition of this fact and your courage to do what scares you is inspiring. The lizard brain may try to hold you back, but it has a better chance at holding back the oceans.
Jason
Jason, I love your Ben Franklin example/analogy. Super clever and relevant, thanks for sharing. Love this episode! Have a fabulous time in Europe
There’s a great quote that comes to mind, one that runs through my head regularly, “remember that you’re an expert compared to people who know less than you (about a topic).” Simple as it sounds, it continues to help me and hopefully it will help others too.
Jillian,
Ben Franklin…some say I’m a little obsessed but I say I have a healthy interest in one of our most important citizens.
Great quote that strikes to the heart of it all. Though we may not realize it, as experts we know far more than the average bear. We know our material so well that we assume the world does too.
More often than not, they don’t.
Jason
Jason – this is SUCH a fantastic episode. I think this is my favourite one yet in fact! I see this lesson in my 6 year old and my 3 year old all the time. My 3 year old daughter thinks her 6 year old brother is the most amazing guy on the planet (which he is of course) because he can get dressed by himself and reach his toothbrush and put the toothpaste on it… but when he goes to school he looks at the “big boys” and he doesn’t see how rad he is! Wonderful reminder. High five and THANK YOU!
Michelle,
First, coming from you those words mean a LOT. You are one of the best coaches I’ve seen on video.
Second, that is the perfect story to represent the point. Where were you when I shot the video??? Mind if I steal that nugget from you?
Thank you for watching and for sharing your story, Michelle. I say it often, but I’m grateful to have you with us.
Jason
You have no idea how much I needed to hear everything you just said. I’m just starting my brand and doubt is my middle name! Thanks so much for your insights!
Teri,
I’m so happy to hear that you got value from the episode.
I know exactly how you feel. I struggled with doubts all the time when I started (and long after!), so you’re not alone. But you don’t have to worry any longer. If you’re committed to lifelong learning, if you’re committed to serving your audience as best you can, you’ll be just fine. The rest is just details.
Jason