21 Steps: 4. -Entrepreneurial Vulnerabilities

So here we are at Day Three of our 21-day countdown to launching to the world.

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I expected to have a business-based task for you to work on today. I have a list and I am carefully plotting and planning the order that makes the most sense in which to do these tasks. I am trying to guide you easily through these difficult waters and I was very proud of what I had done thus far.
Today however, I couldn't work with the task. I was besieged with doubts and vulnerability. I have been working on these tasks for OnlineCoachSupport.com as well as with my own business. I was tired and wrung out and feeling concerned. Colleen and I even had a disagreement :/

Then I took some time out to self-soothe and I had the strongest feeling that THAT was what we needed to work on today. Because if I am feeling these feelings going through this process, then perhaps you are too!
My purpose in life is to be authentic and I want to show up authentically for you guys too, even when things are hard. ESPECIALLY when things are hard. So here it is. I literally get naked. I was inspired whilst in the shower and the analogy was too beautiful not to share. I hope that it inspires you. If not, don't worry about it, keep working on one of the previous steps.

Knowing what makes you feel vulnerable

As we have been working through creating the foundations for our businesses, what things have been coming up? What doubts have you been having? What issues have arisen?
There is no shame in admitting that you are having difficulties, or need some support. Personally one of my major issues is with 'being seen'. Creating Blog Posts and filming video is pushing my buttons BIG TIME. I hate it when I pour my soul into things that are hard and then people put it down. It breaks a part of me. However, over time I have learnt that it's about getting back up! It's continuing to do soul work, even when it's hard!

• Start brainstorming out a couple of things that scare you/bring out your vulnerabilities.
  

Identify Self-soothing techniques

We've all heard it before, but it is no one's job, but your own, to make yourself feel better. YOU are in charge of your life and deep down you know, you are the only person qualified to make yourself feel better. 
For many years I had major self-esteem issues. I would use other people as a means to feel good about myself. Their compliments and 'love' would help me chase away the doubts and secret fears that the world would see how flawed I was. Thankfully by the end of my 20s/beginning of my 30s the work I was doing around improving my confidence was starting to show in my choices. 
I now love myself flaws and all and I am happy to show them to the world (in limited doses lol).

I use a variety of tools to self-soothe and I love to learn about other people's. Some methods include:

• Wombing 
• Having a bath
• Listening to up-lifting music
• Talking to a friend (who has developed listening skills)
• Dancing, either by myself, at a class, or in the pubs/club around town
• Journalling
• Art-journalling
• Painting/creating art

(Want to know how 'I' self-soothed today? Check it out here)

What techniques do you currently use? What interest you in trying?

Showing up after vulnerability

So, you've felt like crap, you've self-soothed and whilst probably not 100%, you're feeling a little better about yourself and the work that you do. Now what?

This is one of 'the most important' times in your business. This is the point where you might give up. You're possible having a 'vulnerability hangover' (a concept that I LOVE by Brene Brown).
NOW is the time to stay strong. Re-read over your Desire Statement, re-align yourself with your 'why'. Take ONE little baby step towards your future. How courageous you are now, will determine the success of your business. 

Go forth Coaches. I KNOW that you can do this!

Today's Action Steps

• Start brainstorming out a couple of things that scare you/bring out your vulnerabilities.
  
• Identify techniques that help you to self-soothe
• Think on baby steps that can help you get back in alignment with your vision

Allie Atkinson is a Co-Founder and Co-Owner of 
Niche Networkers - Online Coach Support She lives in Dunedin, New Zealand and you can find her out dancing, in her art studio or online supporting Coaches. She is passionate about being authentic, embracing courage and doing the hard work required to live her soul's purpose. 

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