“Where do I start?”

I talk to a lot of women who have come to a personal or professional crossroads and this is the number one question I get.

Most have spent a lifetime nurturing and supporting other people, so the thought of finally putting themselves first can sometimes induce gut-wrenching doubt, guilt, and confusion.

The struggle is real, and the ugly truth is that it will prevent many Gen X women from pursuing their dreams and reaching their full potential.

I don’t want that for you.

I think everyone has God-given talents, hobbies, interests, natural abilities and gifts that can be used to serve others.

Unfortunately, most people go through their daily lives without giving a second thought to the massive opportunities available via the internet.

You can write a book or a blog, record and post videos or launch a podcast or online courses. All with knowledge that is specific to your expertise or experience.

Specific knowledge is knowledge that nobody other than you can provide.

Specific knowledge comes from sharing something that genuinely lights you up versus something that’s trending at the moment.

Specific knowledge is all about using what you know very well to deliver value to someone else.

Given the current state of our union, there’s never been a more critical time to package the skills and experiences you’ve gained over your 20, 30 or 40+ year career and head to the internet to make some extra income.

Here are three steps you can take right now to help you get started:

1) Change your language

One of the biggest mistakes I see women over 40 making is their use of self-limiting language. The idea that we have to put ourselves down in order to feel less braggy or make others more comfortable is a losing proposition. Take my story for example. I used to tell anyone who would listen that, as a writer, I thought of myself as being the background to others’ foreground. Which sounded cool until other people started thinking about (and treating) me like that too. Little did I know that every time I spoke about myself in a certain way, I was giving other people around me permission to ignore me. So it’s no surprise that every time a new project, opportunity or promotion came around, I got passed over. Because the language I had been using suggested I didn’t want to step up … that I preferred being in the background. If you want to successfully transform your circumstance, the ONE THING you’ll have to master is changing your own narrative. Once you understand that you have the power to speak the future that you want to see into existence, things will begin to change. As I always say, if you can see it, you can be it.

2) Create a “Stats Stack”

Take about 15 minutes every day for a week to make deposits into your ‘Brag Bank.’ Write down everything you’ve accomplished, large or small. It’s not your job to judge at this point. This list of stats is about you, your experiences and skills, so jot down anything that makes you feel proud. Begin with achievements that are not necessarily related to the new thing you want to do. Then move on to things that are or could be related to your new idea, business or venture. The accomplishments that are written down should serve as proof points about your experience and/or expertise. This list will ultimately help build authority with the people you care about as well as your confidence.

3) Build a better backstory

Creating your backstory is important because the people you want to attract are more likely to come on the journey with you if they can relate to you. Here’s the 6-part framework I used to build a story that resonated with my ideal audience:

1. A State of Comfort – It’s what I describe as a (mostly) uneventful present where the skies are (mostly) clear. Things are (mostly) calm.
2. The Big Bang – Something comes along that turns your world upside down and makes you realize pretty quickly that going forward, something has to change. (divorce, disease)
3. Tumultuous Times – It feels like you’re in a constant state of confusion. It’s not fun, but it serves a purpose because it shakes you out of your comfort zone.
4. The Aha (I see it)/Ahh (I get it) Moment – This is the epiphany, spark or thought that calms your storm. You see a way out, forward or through.
5. Exploration – This is your trial and error phase, when you’re starting to try things out, or at least are more willing to try. This is what makes you the most human and relatable.
6. State of Renewal – When you find something that works and you’re looking at ways to improve and sustain your success or transformation.

Whenever you’re ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

If you’re looking for options about how you can use the skills you already have to do something new, I’d recommend you start with:

1) Find Your T.H.I.N.G.: Uncover what you’re truly meant to do through this foundational course that helps you get unstuck by teaching you how to identify your core Talents, Hobbies, Interests, Natural abilities and Gifts to overcome fear-based thinking and create a customized plan for your future and what you want to do. Enroll now:

https://theencoreacademy.teachable.com/p/find-your-thing2) Join the upcoming cohort of Metamorphosis (begins July 5th): Get proven strategies for how to build the side business, project or venture of your dreams in just six weeks without having to leave your 9-to-5 behind. Transform the way you think about work and create your own system for earning the most amount of money you can on the side. Schedule your introduction to Metamorphosis now: https://calendly.com/sisterladygirl/metamorphosis-intro