Note: December is Word-of-the-Year Month at Christine’s Blog. As we roll into another New Year, each day will feature a new guest blogger who chose one word as a way of setting intention for her whole year. Today’s guest is Debi Hoag. More about Debi below.
The second time I found Christine’s post about picking a word of the year, it was at just the right time in my life. Newly retired and just starting my blog, I was having a difficult time focusing on how best to accomplish my goals.
What had possessed me to start a blog that includes writing about people that I only know in passing is beyond me, considering my fear of making cold calls. Writing the icebreaker email to explain my intentions and request interviews was sending me into states of panic and major procrastination. Even making follow-up contacts after meeting someone and having them agree in person was difficult.
When I finished reading Christine’s post, I just closed my eyes and let the idea sink in, waiting to see what would float to the surface of the casserole of my brain. Considering how often I was waiting until the last minute to ask for interviews, and the resulting damage control from various emergencies, what appeared was appropriate.
PROACTIVE – “Controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than waiting to respond to it after it happens.”
Yep, that was exactly where I needed to focus.
Using the largest font that would fit on a sheet of paper, I printed my word and hung it on the wall above my computer. The next morning, as I sat with my fingers poised over the keys trying to figure out how to avoid the angst that comes with making those requests, I saw the word and something just clicked.
I dug out the business cards I’d been collecting from people who had already said “Yes” verbally. I chose one at random. Taking a deep breath, I dialed the number and got Carl Asch (Giacomo the Jester) on the phone. He said that he needed about 10 minutes, and then he’d be available.
Hanging up, I closed my eyes and said a quick thank you to the universe. I set up the recording software, and got ready for the interview.
Even knowing that he was expecting my call, the anxiety was still there. (Maybe he’s changed his mind, what if he doesn’t like me, what makes me think I can do this, I’m not a trained writer.) I looked up, saw my word, and just started. He was there, waiting for my call, and we had a great, long, rambling conversation.
If I’m not proactive, who is going to know?
Only me. As I sit, worry, and wish.
If I simply remember “Proactive” as I write the email, make the call, begin the interview, do the transcription, and write the article, etc., the results are amazing. The process even shows up in my Twitter entries from time to time.
Has the fear gone away? Is the cold calling any easier?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no. No matter. I’ve learned that it’s up to me to control the situation. Putting myself out there results in interaction that is 99% positive and the rest … well, they’re just not part of my tribe. Yep, that lesson came from Christine too!
Debi Hoag
aka Escarlata Cisneros
http://www.fairenews.com/welcome-ckane
—-
Debi Hoag has a passion for Renaissance, Medieval, Pirate, and Fantasy Faires and Festivals.
She has made it her mission to enjoy as many as she can and share that Joy with as many as she can. She writes FaireNews.com, filling it with information on upcoming events, articles about the people who make Faire special, and announcements on ways to get involved. Debi has also created FaireCostume.com, an easy to use portal for finding garb pieces on eBay. When not planning costumes and trips to Faire, Debi spends her time enjoying retirement and trying out new things.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the honesty that you write with here, Debi. It’s a refreshing look at what “proactive” means – and how it can be difficult sometimes. Even when it’s your “word of the year”. And that’s an important note – that these “words of the year” are not necessarily words that are easy. They’re words that challenge. And look at the wonderful place this word has taken you this year, Debi! Isn’t it awesome!
It is awesome! I’ve gotten to know so many people and had such a good time. The last month or so has been extremely challenging on a personal level (my father’s mental health is failing) and FaireNews has slid below the radar. Seeing this in print today reminded me that if I want it, I have to get out there and make it happen. So Proactive is still the way to go … and not just on the stuff that scares the heck out of me. The easy stuff like programming and writing needs attention too!
Hi Debi,
Proactive is a neat word. I like how you use the word to help you believe in yourself and your mission. It’s like your word acts as a cheerleader whenever you take to the telephone field. A clever way to use your word of the year. Best of luck with your Renaissance web site.
Thx. G.
You go Debi! I LOVE that you pushed through those fears of yours. I remember when I first began booking my own performances. I was terrified of making those calls. And of course, they got easier and easier. And yes – PROACTIVE is what it’s all about.
When you look back, you’ll remember “hey, I can recall how scared I was, but I took the risk and look how cool!” You won’t be saying, “Yea. I remember that day when I just sat around watching tv and eating frito’s cuz I procrastinated all the time. Wow. Great times, huh?”
Hi Debi, I too do interviews and write articles and am not a “trained” writer. I go through exactly the same feelings as you, so I will think of you and “proactive” the next time I’m hesitating over my phone. Thanks for writing this post!
Thanks Debi! That’s exactly what I needed to read/hear in this moment
Giuletta, I love the thought of Proactive, the cheerleader. It led me to cast the opposite word, “Reactive,” as the catcher on an imaginary football team. You know, the guy that is scrambling to get away from everyone and trying to figure out what to do with that hot potato he’s holding. That’s what I’ve felt like all to often. Now I’ll just glance at the sidelines and there will be the pompoms! Thanks for the imagery.
Christine, I don’t comment much but I always read and more often than not come away feeling like you’ve looked inside my skull and found parts to write about. Thank you for …. oh, just everything! *chuckling* is that too mushy?
CMK, good luck with the cheerleader, Proactive. She’ll be on your side as often as you’ll let her. Maybe we should connect and brainstorm. Who knows what two untrained writers who love to talk to people but are afraid to call them could do!
Kate, you’re welcome.
I have never thought of proactive in that way. You have enlightened me-thank you!!!