Although shutting yourself in your office for bouts of focused work can promote productivity, being a perpetual shut-in may prove limiting. Sometimes we get too comfortable being alone and we resign ourselves to being the consummate introvert. But, sometimes, rejecting human connections ends up limiting our potential to break barriers and to do greater things.
For a few years, I succeeded in being the quintessential shut-in. I was working on my books and I didn’t want any distractions. After all, doesn’t being a writer entail being somewhat of a recluse? But the truth was that I wanted to define my own path without fear of judgement or regret. I didn’t want to think about everything else my ex-colleagues were achieving in a field I had left behind. I thought being completely shut off from everything and focusing on my new career path would, ultimately, lead to a happier and stress-free life.
It worked for a time . . . before I needed to work with people. Inevitably, as I started working with various clients on their projects and I had to market myself, my eyes were opened to what other people were accomplishing. And as I started working with ex-colleagues and being more active on social media, my eyes were opened further.
Being Motivated by Others’ Achievements
The thing I feared the most—being intimidated by what others were achieving—paled in comparison to how their achievements actually motivated me. There’s nothing more eye-opening than looking at an ex-schoolmate’s track record and wondering, “How and when did they do all that?” It’s easy to forget the time that has actually passed since you saw someone. Granted, we usually undervalue our own achievements, but seeing someone succeeding in a different area from yours still fills you with awe. You’ll also notice how healthy it is for your mind and body to celebrate someone’s success.
You’ll also begin to realise that we’re all capable of doing those things we dream of—it’s just a matter of acting. But, more importantly, it’s about giving ourselves the permission to act. Most times, we are our own barriers to success—we underestimate ourselves and allow fear to rule our lives. The moment we remove these obstacles, we begin to move forward and to grow.
Basic Market Research
If you’re selling products and services (in my case, online), and you’re rarely in personal discussions with consumers, you may have no real idea of the market worth of what you’re selling. But, after you start meeting people and having these discussions, you begin realising the true value of what you’re providing. Proper product placement and pricing is always a good thing if you want your business to grow.
Sometimes you may be afraid to charge what you think your products are worth because of your personal perceptions about what the market can afford. But, after observing people’s spending habits, you may be surprised that they are paying more for take-out and junk food than your expertise. This will definitely prompt you to restructure your prices.
Opportunities From Like-minded People
Connections are not only done in person. There are lots of connections to be had online. You can join Facebook groups with like-minded people. Just make sure to join well-moderated groups and to provide something of value in the group. The beauty of online connections is that you can immediately see what someone is about through their social media, website, online portfolio, and links to their work.
I have been impressed by people I have discovered online after seeing their achievements, what they have created, and where they intend to go. Particularly inspiring are young entrepreneurs who are proving that, despite economic challenges, it’s possible to be a success.
The online world is also full of opportunities—potential clients, business partnerships, digital marketing, and online work.
When you open yourself up to people and you invest in building long-lasting relationships, your life becomes filled with inspiration and, ultimately, rewarding.
For more self-help and a whole book of tips, check out the PDF eBook, Living Mindfully on a Budget
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