Maybe you’re not really afraid...

Three tips on fear from an AWAI staff writer [The Writer’ s Life]( April 29, 2022 "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." – Dale Carnegie Do you think we talk too much about overcoming fears, {NAME}? AWAI Staff Writer Bonnie Fanning spends a lot of time with our members … through live events and training programs on social media. She came to me with me an idea for an issue of The Writer's Life that she felt could help some of the aspiring writers she was hearing from … but was afraid it was "more of the same." (The irony of fearing writing about overcoming fears was not lost on me.) 😆 I told her no way … Fear is the #1 thing that holds people back … not just writers, but humans in general! It's useful when contemplating walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night. But fear also stops us from pursuing what we REALLY want in life. In my experience, the things you fear most are the ones worth pushing through to get. And if we can help you overcome any fear stopping you, I'm all in. Over to you, Bonnie! *** Bonnie, here – AWAI staff writer. 👋 We've been talking about fear a lot, lately … And, though I've been a writer for 15 years, I struggled with it in the beginning, too. But I've made three big realizations over time that helped me a lot — and I thought they might help you, too. The last one might be a little controversial … but if it gives you the push you need to get going, then so be it! Realization #1: New things are only scary until they aren't new, anymore. Remember the first time you drove a car? Or asked your partner out on a date? Or bought a house? Your heart started pounding and your palms got all sweaty. It took time to work up the nerve to actually go through with it. But then … after years of driving to and from work … And having dinner with your partner … And vacuuming your house time after time … The "scary" part became a distant memory. Supporting yourself as a writer is like that, too. Eventually, by doing a little bit each day, it becomes familiar, like your favorite pair of slippers. Realization #2: It feels personal — but it's not. As a writer, you get paid to share your thoughts with the world. It's like you're letting someone see inside your head — even if you're writing in someone else's name. It feels personal. And that can be scary! But here's the real truth: Your client isn't thinking about you and your thoughts. Not one bit! They're thinking about their company, their customers, and their mission. All they want is copy that makes them sound good, and makes people want to stick around. And they don't want to write it! Keep your focus on how to make them sound their best, and your writing will suddenly feel a LOT less personal. Realization #3: Maybe you're not afraid. 🤔 In my 20's I spent a lot of time wanting to be a writer. Wanting to get a magazine article published. Wanting to travel the world and write about it. And telling myself that I was too afraid to do it. "If only I could get over this fear!" I'd repeat to myself, over and over. Well, after all these years fully supporting myself and traveling the world multiple times over on my writing skills, I've realized this: The "fear" was just an excuse not to try. Because, when you break it down into tiny, doable steps … None of them are scary! In fact, no part of this has to be scary when you start small, and take consistent steps forward every day. "Getting over" the fear is not what will lead you to success. You know what will? Taking 30 minutes right now to write down a list of small, doable steps … And then doing just one every day. Do that, and by this time next year, you could be getting paid to write from home, or while traveling the world, as I have … 43 countries and counting, baby! 😎 Now get to it! Bonnie *** Thank you, Bonnie! ❤️ Before I sign off for the weekend, just a reminder that today is your LAST CHANCE to get in on Pam Foster's [Site Audit Certification](. If you're looking for a REALLY easy place to start — that literally gives you a list of steps to follow, so you don't even have to think about it, this is it. It works for every company, in every niche … You get paid upwards of $2,000 for very little writing … AND it sets you up for additional paychecks to fix the issues you uncover with Pam's checklist. The success stories are off the charts with this one … [>> Go here to check it out before midnight tonight.]( And I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Rebecca What's Hot at AWAI … 🤩 [Knowing these five site content "musts" will REALLY impress your first client!]( 💸 [This easy "in" with clients can lead to double paychecks.]( 😟 Still feeling unsure? [Here's the easiest way to approach new clients.]( We ❤️ Local Clients! Wow, I was talking to a local barbershop owner and just in passing mentioned this website auditing thing. He's now a client. It's kinda creepy weird how easy it is. Pam must have some kind of mojo something-or-another going on. I'm not surprised! Good, good stuff! Thanks Pam! – Steve G. Just goes to show … you never know where your first or next client will come from! Nothing wrong with starting locally. Nice job, Steve! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! LAST CHANCE: $11 today, $297 tomorrow When you grab a subscription to Barefoot Writer magazine by midnight, for only $11 … You'll get FREE access to our Making the Leap program, which takes you wherever you are today … And shows you exactly how to make a smooth transition to paid writing, so you'll have success right out of the gate. It usually costs $297, but you'll get it completely free today! [Grab It All For $11]( Full Access for Just $1!!! This free blueprint shows you how to make $2,500 to $8,000 a month as a writer. And for just a buck, you'll gain access to every resource you'll need to execute that blueprint. All the roadmaps … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All 320+ training webinars … The member forum, the job board, the tutorials, the tools … All of it! 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