For the past month, I’ve had a recurring nightmare of not being able to speak.
Sometimes I simply can’t find the words.
Other times, it’s more extreme — like when my mouth is full of rocks.
What I finally realized is that it’s a manifestation of insecurity.
Insecurity about launching The Clean Living Podcast.
Here are some examples of the negative self-talk I’ve been experiencing:
“It’s been done.”
“Nobody cares.”
“Who am I to do this?”
“It’s not significant enough.”
That last one, in particular, has kept me up at night.
It’s this feeling of, “I’m not doing enough.”
And if I’m really honest with myself (and completely transparent with you), my big fear is that people think clean living is elitist.
Only for the privileged.
That it has nothing to do with equity or inclusion.
When in reality, I know that clean living has many different forms. And that with education, it can be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
My goal through this podcast is to show people that thinking more carefully about what we buy, and how we live, doesn’t have to cost more money and can actually save us money in the long run.
But any time you take on a new project, it’s normal to question the process.
Do my intentions align with the final product?
Is there even such a thing as a “final product” or will this always be a work in progress?
Am I prepared to make mistakes, and maybe even fail?
What will that say about my self-worth?
When these questions come up I’ve learned to always have an answer ready.
Here’s what I’ve been telling myself:
If just 100 people find out about a Black-woman-owned clean deodorant brand, then that’s potentially an extra $1400+ in revenue for that business.
(And it’s 100 people no longer swiping aluminum under their arms.)
If just 100 people learn how to improve the air quality in their home, that’s potentially 100+ kids who are learning remotely with less household pollutants in the air.
If just 100 people learn how to get more nutrients from their food, then that’s 100 families feeling healthier and more energized than they did before.
Remember: Your impact doesn’t have to be huge to be significant.
That’s all to say, if you’re also working on a new project and you’re feeling insecure or discouraged or behind or deflated, I want to remind you that it’s not about making huge waves.
It’s about creating small ripples for the people who matter most to your business.
When we stay in our lane and we focus on the unique gifts we can contribute, that’s when we’re able to impact the right people.
Keep pushing forward,
UPDATE: I’m releasing the trailer for The Clean Living Podcast next week! On Wednesday, Oct. 14th I’ll ask you to kindly listen and subscribe as we gear up for launch.
Also — thank you so much to everyone who helped me choose a podcast thumbnail last week! You can find out which image won on Instagram here : )
