I created a monster. Come closer and let me tell you the tale of, what I call, the Shadow Monster. Whaahahahaha… [insert scary lightning and thunder sound effects]

We all have a Shadow Monster. It’s the little thing we’ve built up in our head for so long that now it seems ginormous, unwieldy, and anxiety-inducing. It grows and grows, because what we don’t know has a knack for seeming bigger and scarier than it actually is.

The scary part isn’t the thing itself – the scary part is that we don’t know how it will turn out. The Shadow Monster eats that fear for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I have a Shadow Monster. His name (yes, it’s a “he” in my head) is RunMyOwnBusiness. RunMyOwnBusiness is HUGE. The uncertainty of whether I will be successful, make any money, or be any good is almost paralyzing.

Think about your Shadow Monster. Is your chest feeling tight yet? Do you feel the wave of “Ahhh-I-can’t-do-it?”

Unless it is slayed, that Shadow Monster is going to keep you from doing the awesome things you want to do. It’s going to keep you playing small. It’s going to keep you in the comfortable and safe land of certainty.

Small and comfortable are the LAST things I want while trying to be a #bossmomma and run my own business.

So, how do you slay the Shadow Monster? The way you slay any shadow - with light and clarity.

Take away the Shadow Monster’s power by focusing on what you do know, versus what you don’t.

Focus on knowing the answers to questions like:

What am I afraid of? Take away some of their power by saying them out loud.

For me, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to do it. I’m afraid that I won’t be successful or have the skills or courage to do this on my own.

What’s certain? You know more than you think. Not everything is uncertain.

I’m certain that I have a strong support system. I’m also certain that I wouldn’t have been able to get this far unless I had some of what it takes to do this on my own.

What’s the worst that could happen? Again, say it out loud. Then, so what?

The worst that could happen is that it doesn’t work and I go back to a 9-5 job or change course and look for something else.

What is it “just”? Words are important. The word “just” is minimizing.

It is “just” a business. Fortunately, my line of work is not life or death and no one is going to die if I fail. Bruised ego, sure, but I can live with that.

What if I succeed? The possible is WAY more powerful than the fear.

If I succeed, I’ve created a career that I LOVE. I’ve built something that allows me to live the lifestyle that I want and fulfills what I need. I’ve built something that I’m proud of.

Mister Monster – Your days are numbered.