Harnessing Courage: 5 Times Ten Seconds Made All the Difference in My Career

Discover how moments of courage can create significant momentum in your creative journey

Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you—and following a creative dream takes a lot of it! When we go after our dreams, it's SCARY. As professional creatives and entrepreneurs, we have so many unanswered questions, but what we really need is the courage in order to get started. Read on for 5 ways taking ten seconds of courage has helped me gain momentum in my career.

 1. Cold Calling Companies: A Leap of Faith

 The first time that I finished a portfolio, I knew that I was ready to share it with the world. I wanted to stand out from the crowd, so I decided to make cold calls. It was nerve-wracking. I had to script out even the simplest introductions. But once I dialed the number and started the conversation, I found that art directors appreciated the personal touch. It was this kind of courage that helped me to break the ice and make important connections.

 2. Showing My Work: Vulnerability on Display

 It’s vulnerable to show your work. You’re essentially asking for feedback, and that can be frightening. My first time really showing my portfolio was at the International Quilt Market. Approaching art directors in person, I managed to leave the show with my first fabric licensing contract with my dream company, Art Gallery Fabrics. It took just ten seconds of courage to introduce myself, and it paid off tremendously. 

3. Reaching Out to a Mentor: Building Connections

 In 2019, I reached out to one of my biggest mentors, Stu McLaren. I had learned so much from his course, the Membership Experience, and I wanted him to know how it had impacted me. Sending that direct message on Instagram took a deep breath and ten seconds of courage, but it led to an amazing friendship and an invitation to join Stu's mastermind, Impact.

4. Sharing My Story: The Power of Narratives

Sharing your story takes courage, too. I got an email from another one of my mentors, Jeff Walker, inviting me to share my story. I took a deep breath and submitted my story. This resulted in an interview with Jeff and an invitation to one of his conferences. All these opportunities came from that initial act of courage.

5. Joining a Live Event: Taking the Stage

One of the most nerve-wracking things I've done was joining some of the most incredible entrepreneurs for a live event in Arizona. I had ten seconds of courage to walk into the room and introduce myself to Amy Porterfield and Brooke Castillo. It led to beautiful relationships and opened up many doors.

Your Turn

It would have been so much easier to stay comfortable, but every time I mustered up those ten seconds of courage, it was 100% worth it. So my question for you is, what about you? What do you need to do right now that requires ten seconds of courage? Remember, it only takes ten seconds of courage and then it will either be over, or it will have at least begun and you will have initiated the momentum that will lead you to new heights. Keep up your courage. It's essential to follow your biggest dreams.

HEAR MORE ON THIS TOPIC ON EPISODE 19 OF THE PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE