What if you just went for it?

I have notebooks on notebooks filled with tips, tricks and strategies that I need to implement to grow my blog, business, and writing career.

Some of the advice on these pages I’ve actually put into practice. Much of it I have not. I tell myself I haven’t done these things because I just don’t have the time. And to be sure, my schedule is quite chaotic. But last month I managed to blog five days a week and keep my business afloat despite family drama, sickness and a heavy workload at the day job. To quote entrepreneur Melanie Duncan, “Successful people don’t have the time to learn and grow; successful people make the time to learn and grow.”

But I recently realized it’s not the lack of time that’s truly holding me back. It’s me!

Last week I looked at that stack of notebooks and asked myself, “What are you waiting for?!” And I realized I’ve been waiting for perfection.

I’ve been putting off a much-needed brand photo shoot because I’d convinced myself I needed to lose 20 pounds first. I’ve been putting off trying to collaborate with my favorite bloggers because I’d convinced myself I needed to revamp my website and Instagram feed first. I’ve been putting off submitting story pitches to my favorite publication because I’d convinced myself I needed to improve my writing skills first. And I’ve been putting off taking See Jane Write beyond Birmingham because I’ve secretly wondered if anyone outside of my hometown would care.

But this is all bull shit.

I recently heard someone say, “You don’t have to get it right; you just have to get it going.” It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. I say this to the women of See Jane Write all the time. Now I need to take my own advice.

So as I sat down to set my goals for September, I decided to pick five things I’ve been putting off and just go for it. Ashes to ashes, dust to self-doubt. (You’ll catch that on your way home.)

I’m sharing my bold goals in hopes that they’ll inspire you to set a few of your own.

Pitch story ideas to three of my favorite publications. Have you too been dreaming of writing for favorite website or magazine? Make September the month that you finally send a pitch to make that dream come true.

Design a fun T-shirt for women who write. Merch. Swag. Product. Whatever you call it, people love it and See Jane Write members have been asking for T-shirts for years. I’m still not inspired by the idea of have a plain tee with the See Jane Write logo, so I’ve decided to design shirts with witty quotes instead. What kind of merchandise could you create for your tribe. Printables? Coffee mugs? Tote bags? Pick a product and run with it!

Get featured on a popular Instagram account. I’m kinda obsessed with Instagram right now, but visuals have never been my strong suit because I’m a word person. My photography skills are non-existent and I find designing flat lays frustrating, not fun. But it’s time to step up my game. I plan to partner with some local photographers (whether I lose weight or not), work on growing my Instagram following and even reach out to a few accounts that feature female bloggers and entrepreneurs.

Connect and collaborate with a blogger I once only admired from afar. Guest blogging and being featured on big-name blogs is one of the top ways I increased the readership of the websites I’ve run in the past. This month I plan to start trying this strategy again to take See Jane Write to the next level. Consider the bloggers you could reach out to this month and start making connections.

Create a new lead magnet. Building a strong email list is one of the most important things you can do for your brand. And I know that if I’m striving to reach beyond Birmingham, simply asking people to sign up for my list for event updates won’t cut it. I need a strong lead magnet and I need it now. Chances are, you need to develop a strong lead magnet, too. So let’s get to it, babe.

What have you been putting off that you will commit to doing this month?