It used to be that, when I was presented with what I considered a challenge (a task or activity that made me feel the least bit uneasy), I would say, “No!” I would decline the opportunity on the spot without giving the invitation or request a second chance.
And then one day it occurred to me that I may be missing out on opportunities. So I started a new plan of action. I began saying, in the face of an invitation or request, “Let me think about it.” Wow! What a break-through. Often, however, my thought process would take me right back to the cautious, “no.” How was I ever going to get anywhere as a writer with this attitude?
Years later, after missing out on a couple of good opportunities, I decided to short-circuit my protective mode and try a very different tactic.
Now, I’m even more brazen. When asked if I will speak somewhere, teach a class or write an article, for example, I boldly say “Yes!” and then I figure out how I’ll make it happen. If it is absolutely impossible, I generally have plenty of time to beg off. Otherwise, I feel committed and I will follow through.
I can’t tell you how many great opportunities and experiences I’ve had since adopting this approach. I flew to Dubai in British Airways luxurious Business Class and spoke before 800 Toastmasters. I’ve presented workshops before writers and authors in dozens of cities in 11 states. I’ve met some incredible people and I’ve grown as a presenter and a writer.
Sometimes a request may seem a little outside of my area of expertise—I’d rather talk about something within my comfort zone. But, instead of balking, I take on the challenge and usually make it work without a hitch.
What is your typical response to the invitations and requests you get? Do you look at these as great opportunities to promote your book or do you shudder at the thought of facing an audience, traveling any distance, being interviewed or writing your first article?
If you have a book to promote or you want to become known as a freelance writer, the fastest way toward failure is to reject opportunities that could give you exposure.
Think about this over the week. Have you developed the habit of declining invitations and requests? Are you getting a little too comfortable in your comfort zone? If you’re not sure, look at the activity around your book or your writing career. If it is stagnant, maybe you are, too.
Patricia Fry is the author of 29 books, including The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. She presents on-demand, online courses on how to write a book proposal, book promotion, freelance writing and self-publishing. She also does editing work for others. Learn more about Patricia, her books and courses at http://www.matilijapress.com