If It Scares You, Do It Anyway

Standing in front of a room full of strangers to talk about your career journey can be nerve-wracking. Speaking about digital marketing is the easy part, it’s when you begin sharing your challenges we can often feel like it’s too personal. But here are some top tips that have helped me this year in business. 

1. Never give up

It’s easier said than done, but perseverance goes a long way. There will be people telling you, you can’t, take feedback as you like but someone’s opinion is not your truth. But you have to put it into practice, some days are going to be tough, and I mean really tough but small steps to help you fight through can make a difference to your goal. 

2. Don’t be afraid to say no

I used to take on all the projects but after learning a lot (especially this year) there will be people out there who don’t see your vision and that’s fine. I’ve said no this year to projects that don’t align with where I want to take Vantage 66. It can feel daunting at first, especially when I had the mindset of everything is an opportunity, some things can become a distraction. 

3. If it scares you, do it anyway

I wanted to build on my international experience for business and travelled to South America, Antarctica and had the experience of a lifetime in Palestine. Did I feel anxious taking these trips? Yes. But they turned out to be amazing and helped me work towards my rebrand www.vantage66.com.

4. It’s your journey

Despite what it may look like on social media, there are plenty of unseen hours battling away. It’s so easy to fall into the comparison battle but focus on your own journey, not someone else’s. When I graduated from university, I watched a lot of people move on to “dream jobs”, travel and further education whilst I was unemployed and had only travelled to four countries. I did a total of 16 internships/volunteer work and even though part of me had already given up there was still some drive left. I would never have made the most of those harsh lessons if they had never happened.  

5. Your circle is important

There may be people who don’t understand why you are working certain hours or your goals but it’s important to be around those who are supportive. Even finding people within the sector you can share some of your challenges with. (Thank you, Katie and Andrew). 

All in all, be your own cheerleader. It’s ok to forge your own path and not give in to certain barriers. This year has certainly been challenging but I have so many lessons to take away and learn from.

Also. It gets better.