Let’s talk about transformation. Not the Pinterest-perfect, Instagram-filtered kind, but the messy, real, sometimes terrifying journey of getting out of your own way. For years, I was the queen of “what-ifs” and “maybe laters,” sitting firmly on that proverbial pot of indecision and fear. But something changed recently… I had reached my breaking moment. I was tired of watching my dreams collect dust on my vision board and decided it was time to finally to sh*t or get off the pot and start living.
I Decided to Sh*t and Get Off the Pot
You know that moment when you catch your reflection and barely recognize the person staring back? That was me two months ago. Despite making strides in my career, living in a decent apartment, and having a solid group of friends, I felt stuck. My dream job in entertainment remained just that – a dream – because I was “building experience” (read: scared of not being good enough). And the guy who I was in love with still didn’t know because I was terrified of the fear of rejection.
Here’s the thing about being shy and fear of rejection: they’re comfortable companions. They don’t challenge you. They don’t make you feel uncomfortable. They’re like that worn-out couch you keep meaning to replace but don’t because, well, it’s familiar. But familiar isn’t always good. Familiar can be the enemy of extraordinary.
So I made a decision. Right there, staring at my vision board filled with quotes about “living your best life” and images of success I hadn’t pursued, I decided to sh*t or get off the pot. Crude? Maybe. But effective? Absolutely.
Step One: Positive Affirmations for Women
First step: I rewrote my internal dialogue. Those positive affirmations for women I’d been saving on Pinterest? Time to actually use them. Every morning, I looked in the mirror and said: “I am enough. I am worthy of love. I am capable of success. My voice deserves to be heard.” Did I believe this? Not at first. But I was always told to fake it till you make it. And you know what, they’re right. After saying these affirmations over and over, eventually, I tricked my brain to actually believing them! Cheesy? Initially. Powerful? Beyond measure.
Step Two: Take Action
Then came the action plan. Instead of being the shy girl complaining about my crush not giving me the attention I wanted, I committed to breaking the chain and ending my pattern of self-sabotage. I am enough, and if he didn’t agree, someone else would.
So I stepped out of my comfort zone and sent him a warm and friendly text. And guess what!? Him being a nice guy, he promptly responded. And just like that, we started texting which led to our first lunch… which led to our first date…! No, we’re not married yet, BUT I got the ball rolling and am excited to see where this relationship will go.
Career-wise, I stopped waiting for the perfect moment. I am enough. I set a goal of reaching out to 10 managers a week, signed up for workshops and networking events, and committed to screenwriting 2 hours a day. I can proudly say I had 5 meetings, and spoiler alert: I’m signing with a rep next week!
Here’s what I’ve learned about getting out of your own way:
- Your excuses are just fear wearing a clever disguise
- Action beats anxiety every single time
- Rejection isn’t fatal – it’s feedback
- Your comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there
Step Three: The Choice Is Yours
The truth is, we all have dreams written on our hearts and vision boards hanging on our walls. But the difference between dreaming and doing comes down to one simple choice: are you going to sh*t, or are you going to get off the pot?
I chose to sh*t. I chose to face the fear, embrace the discomfort, and take action. And you know what? Life got messy, uncertain, and sometimes downright scary. But it also got exciting, authentic, and filled with possibilities I never saw from my comfortable perch of procrastination.
So here’s my challenge to you: What are you waiting for? What dream have you been sitting on? What positive affirmation needs to become your reality? Because trust me, that pot you’re sitting on isn’t getting any more comfortable, and life isn’t getting any longer.
It’s time to make a choice. It’s time to take action. It’s time to sh*t or get off the pot.
Your future self will thank you for it. I know mine already does.
