When is the last time you put yourself out there for the world to see? When’s the last time you did something so far outside your comfort zone that you wanted to pee your pants and skip town for awhile? (Okay, maybe that’s my dramatic side coming out but you get the picture :))
The scariest moment in my life so far, besides seeing both my twins jump in deep water and having to do a fully clothed rescue whilst on vacation this summer, has been decided to start a YouTube Channel after 7 LONG years of debating it.
7 years? Really?
Yes, 7 years. It took me 7 years to finally get the courage or the balls or the IDGAF attitude to put my plans into action.
You see, I used to be completely terrified of putting myself out there. I was scared of what people would think. I was scared of how awkward I would seem on camera. I knew the camera would bring out every flaw, every imperfection and don’t even get me started on the sound of my voice on video. Eww. Those stupid thoughts kept me stuck for close to a decade.
So what was the tipping point? What made me decide to finally take the leap?
Someone challenged me to stretch myself. Like, the elusive Triple Dog Dare that you just can’t pass up.
To be honest, it was more like this Amazing, Smart, Supportive group of women that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and TAKE ACTION.
You wanna know more? Good, cuz I’m gonna tell ya….
This month, I’m SO excited to be participating in the Stretch Yourself Challenge hosted my my friend and mentor Kelly McCausey. This is the 10th Anniversary of the challenge and my fourth time being a part of it.
So, what is the Stretch Yourself Challenge All About?
To sum it up, this challenge is a way for you to level up in your business, no matter what stage you’re currently at. You have the opportunity to choose between 15 different challenges that will stretch you outside your comfort zone while helping you build your business at the same time. Win-win, right??
Stretching looks different for everyone.
You can choose to:
Start a YouTube Channel
Attend a Live Event
Make an Intentional Connection
Promote Your Expertise
Do a FB Live Series
So Much More…..
For example, a Veteran YouTuber is not gonna be intimidated by doing a video and posting it for the world to see but they may be scared to death to reach out to someone they admire and ask for an interview.
Someone who is used to working behind the scenes and only having contact with people online, may be intimidated to attend a live, in person event.
That’s what’s great about the Stretch Yourself Challenge…..It pushes you at whatever level you’re at. And did I mention the supportive group that will guide you and love you on the whole way??
Guys…this is a no brainer.
We don’t have a whole lot of time because the doors close at midnight tonight, but I would be over the moon excited fi you would join me on this stretching journey and see where it takes you and your business.
There will be live calls every week and a supportive community at your fingertips every step of the way, not to mention a kickass guidebook that will explain everything in intricate detail.
Quit hiding behind your fear! Join the Stretch Yourself Challenge now and show the world how you can shine! 🙂
Hi Kristin! Just want you to know I read it all and been thinking at my age not a whole lot is left, but I have decided I’m gonna make the most of it! I’m tired of worrying about what other people think. Take me as I am or don’t. Love the way you keep plugging away, you didn’t get it from me, but I’m thinking some of it is finally sinking in. Love you!!
Thank you!! You’ve got the right idea!! We only have one life, gotta make it count!! 🙂 Love you back!
I love being on the Stretch Yourself Challenge with you Kristin! Time to stop hiding and playing small!
Thank you Joyce!! Same to you! This challenge has been so much fun already!!
I’m so glad you joined the challenge. I believe you about the 7 years, I am the same way. I take my time. I research. I think. The great thing about the stretch yourself challenge is that you’re going to DO. I can’t wait to see it happen!
Thank you Stephanie!! It’s so easy to get caught up in the planning and the thinking and the overthinking HAHA I’m so excited to finally put something into action! 🙂
I’m so glad you got to the IDGAF attitude! You’ve got a fun way of writing and a natural at video. You’re rocking it girl!
Thank you Samantha!!! It’s taken a lot of years to get here but there’s no looking back now LOL!
Yay for you, Kristin! I feel ya about watching and listening to yourself on video. I feel the same way and have to constantly talk myself out of how awful it looks to review the videos! I’ve heard that our voices always sound different to us when we hear the recordings because we hear our ‘real’ voice when we’re talking through our eardrums and through the vibration from our vocal cords affecting the sound conduction through our body. That sounds different to us than listening to a recording of our own voice since we don’t have that vocal cord input. Makes sense. Can’t wait to watch your YouTube Channel!
Thanks so much Melissa!!! That makes total sense (and it does make me a feel a little better about my “eww” voice on video LOL).
The first time I heard the idea of “feel the fear and do it anyway”, I was like why would I want to do that? and just like you said, “quit hiding behind your fear”, I started to practice doing anything that scared me… after a while you good at it and you just do it ! Thanks for sharing your story of inspiration Kristin.
Thank you Rosie!!! That’s so true! I think if we’re consistent and really have a “leap of faith” attitude, it almost becomes like a natural thing to step outside our comfort zone on a daily basis! I’m not quite there yet, but I will be!
Great description of the challenge! My dad jumped in the water to save me from drowning when I was five. In my head I remember it as a VERY dramatic hero-moment. Your little ones will always remember the day Mom saved their life. Love your site!
Thanks so much Teresa!! It was super scary at the time but I have to laugh about it now. Every so often they will both recount their near death experience..and every time it gets a little more exaggerated LOL!! I can’t wait to see where they take the story by the time they are 18.
YAY! I’m so excited for you to start your YouTube channel. You know, I’ve had one for a few years and I still feel like peeing my pants. Sort of. It’s more about the monkey brain telling me I have nothing to say.
But you know what? Challenges are the best way to get us out of our heads and into the world.
I look forward in seeing your greatest during this challenge.
See you soon.
Warmly,
Claudette
Thank you so much Claudette!! Yes! All too often, we just need to get out of our own heads and out of our own way so that we can become the best version of who we are meant to be!! Thanks for your encouraging words!!
Woot woot! Way to take action, step out of your comfort zone, STRETCH, and finally start that YouTube channel. I loved it when I saw you on video the other day, you have great energy and it drew me in. I’m looking forward to following your YT channel. My kiddo may be 21 (well in 16 days he will be lol) but I get a kick out of your little redheads and all the adventure you have with them 😉
Thanks so much Tishia!! I feel like I’ve finally stepped into MY time and there’s no looking back now 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement!! So glad to be a part of Team Shine!!
I liked how you emphasized how what constitutes a stretch by one person wouldn’t be to someone else. We each need to identify what a stretch for ourselves would be. Glad you found yours. Meet you at the finish line!
Thank you Kat!!! 🙂
Oh, I love your style! You made me laugh a bunch. Pee your pants and skip town … yep, I can relate. Ditto for hearing the sound of my voice, seeing myself on video, all of it. I think it’s always way worse in our own minds, tho, eh? Congrats on getting over that YouTube hurdle; you’ve got this! And many congrats on the water rescue, of course. lol (Oof!)
Thank you Karin!!! Yes! We always make it worse than what it is! LOL
Congratulations for taking the leap! I have experience with debating whether or not to do things for long periods of time so I definitely understand how it could take you 7 years to dive into the YouTube pool. I’m looking forward to subscribing your channel.
Thank you Benecia!!
Kristin, you give me tingles. (And I need to hear the story about rescuing your boys LOL!)
IDGAF (ROFLMAO!)
I DO GAF about a lot of things but I’m choosing WHAT they are in a greater way ever since I went to Radical Leadership – not everything deserves my F’s LOL!
I’m getting jazzed – can’t wait to see how you stretch this month!
Thank you Kelly!!! Yes!! We worry and stress and freak out over SO many things don’t deserve an ounce of effort or time…100%! Radical Leadership is something I’m striving for down the road – ever since you started talking about the impact it had on you, I’ve had it on my BIG Goals list LOL. Stretching in a big way this month! Thanks for ALL your encouragement!! 🙂
Nothing wrong a little dramatic side. Or at least that’s what I tell my signifcant other! Haha.
I’m really looking forward to your YouTube channel posts! Woohoo!
LOL! Thank you Shannon!!
I loved hearing your story. It give me more confidence for pursuing a stretch challenge even one that makes me extremely uncomfortable. And, I love the name of your website! 🙂
Thank you Tara!! That’s so great to hear!! Keep stretching! The fear in our heads is ALWAYS worse than taking the action! 🙂
Yay for kicking that fear to the curb and embracing video! When we have a message to get out we have to get to our own point of IDGAF because we just gotta get it out there. I’m right there with you on really starting my YouTube channel AND actually being in the videos. No more hiding behind the lens for me! (with my advertising and film background I was letting perfectionism run the day) Can’t wait to see what you share.
Thank you Jennifer!! 100%! So glad you’re jumping on the YouTube Ship! Best of luck to you too!!
The last time I did something so far outside my comfort zone that made me want to pee my pants was in 2010 when I quite my job and moved to a Caribbean Island! I literally did skip town for 4 years…lol.
It was one of the best things that I ever did! Stretching beyond my comfort zone almost always has me growing by leaps and bounds and yet I often fight that. So, I’m glad that I decided to join the Stretch Yourself Challenge this year, it’s awesome!
Hi Maureen!! What an awesome story!!! You had me at Caribbean Island LOL!! I dream of doing something like that one day 🙂 So glad to be stretching with you!
You are SO right, Kristin! What constitutes a stretch for some is a normal day for others. Delighted to be in the #SYC challenge with you. Kelly and the community make it a safe space to take risks…which is kind of what being a good parent is all about. And I know you know all about that!
Thank you so much Brook!! That’s what I love about the community so much – safe, inspiring and supportive! So glad to be stretching with you too!!
I can totally relate to your comments about seeing and hearing yourself on video. I’m looking forward to watching your new YouTube channel, and congrats for stretching!
Thank you Ruth!! 🙂
OMG! I’m so glad I found you through the Stretch Yourself Challenge! I love your website and how positive you are – a gal after my own heart (except that I am a huge Cowboys fan)!! Can’t wait to see your YouTube channel. 🙂
Thanks so much Renee!!! My husband is rooting for the cowboys today because he has Ezekial Elliot on his fantasy team!! LOL So glad to be stretching with you!! Let’s rock it this month!
Well done, Kristin on taking action and launching your YT channel. It’s a great way of sharing your expertise and you will help so many people.
I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you so much Sabrina!! 🙂
You’re right. What intimidates me might be a piece of cake for you. We all have our own challenges to conquer, but it’s great when we can help each other.
Kristin, I totally understand about “putting yourself out there.” I like to be fun and do fun things. But, when you put it on video it seems so permanent! I’m proud of you for going outside of your comfort zone!
Thank you so much Luanna!!! 🙂
“Pee your pants and skip town for awhile…” LMAO!!!
THANK YOU, Kristin, for sharing the seven year debate inside your head and your decision to adopt the IDGAF attitude that’s allowing you to GO FOR IT and get your bad self out into world for all to see!
I’m going to bookmark this post and revisit it whenever my inner chickenshit tries to keep me playing small and safe, because that’s definitely NOT how I want to live.
LOL! Thanks so much Rena!! Yes!! That’s not how any of us should live! We got this!! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your journey (and for always sharing cute pics of your kids on Facebook LOL) I’m looking forward to seeing your YouTube channel grow and shine 🙂
Thank you Loretta!! 🙂
I fear the camera too. Just when I start to get over the fact that, yes I’ll make some mistakes in the beginning, but I’ll get better. I start to realize that even if I get better, I posted those videos on a public YouTube channel. Those not so good videos are still able to be viewed.
Kim I feel the exact same way!!! LOL We just gotta remember that the growth we get from the experience is worth it! 🙂 Thank you!!
Great reminder that sometimes challenges come in many forms. Things that we may NOT initially take on, but when forced to take action because of impending danger we do them in a heartbeat, such as the case of you having to jump into deep water to save your kiddos. Yup…would NEVER think of diving into deep water (I have a big fear), but if my kiddos were in danger, I’d be jumping in less than a heartbeat. What additionally stood out is when you asked…what is your “tipping point”…That is really what it comes down to, isn’t it. What is it that is going to help us to be brave enough to take on what scares us. Thank you for your share. You have inspired me. Wishing you huge success in your YouTube adventures.
Thank you SO much Lynn!! Yes, everyone has that point where they finally say, “IDGAF! Bring it on!” Maybe not in those exact words but still…we finally get tired of playing small! I’m so glad to have been stretching with you this month!!
Whoa! I can’t imagine how your heart must have been racing when your twins jumped into that water. Yikes! Every mother’s nightmare.
Even though it’s taken you 7 years to commit to a YouTube channel, it is a lucky number, right? I can completely relate to worrying what other people will think. That mindset has held me back for years! Good for you for moving past it though. I think it’s time for me to do the same! <3
Thank you so much Julie!! I never thought of it like that – 7 is a lucky number isn’t it?! LOL Awesome!! So glad to be doing this challenge with you! We’ve all overcome some major stuff this month!! I love it!
I would think the daily challenges of raising twins would stretch you in many ways.
You are definitely right about that Carol!! LOL
Really enjoyed reading your post. I still haven’t got up the nerve to do a You Tube channel but knowing it took you 7 years, I haven’t given up yet. Congratulations on your new channel, I look forward to hearing you. Hope your boys are both OK, that must have been scary. Great to know we are all stretching together. 🙂
Thank you so much Hazel!! Would love to see you on YouTube in the near future!! Keep stretching!