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Alright, let's dive into the Cringe-Ick. You know that squirm-in-your-seat, sweaty-palms kind of feeling? Well, I found myself knee-deep in it when I stumbled into the world of crowdfunding.
I've always been a DIY, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of person. Asking for money? Cringe city, my friends. But turns out, confronting that discomfort became a crash course in personal growth.
Growing up, I was spoon-fed a steady diet of self-sufficiency and independence. "You're the captain of your own ship," they'd say. So when crowdfunding came knocking, it felt like a betrayal of everything I'd been taught. Begging for cash online? No thanks.
But as I dipped my toes into this brave new world, I realized there was more to it than meets the eye—it's a necessary and completely acceptable way to finance your art.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: that cringe factor. Asking for money? Yeah, it's about as fun as a full exam. But here's the plot twist: diving headfirst into that discomfort was exactly what I needed. It forced me to question my beliefs, challenge my boundaries, and ultimately, grow as a person. I challenged myself to see if I really believed in this project. -They say what you want is often planted behind exactly what you're afraid to do... Challenge heard!
Discomfort isn't just a roadblock—it's a signpost pointing toward growth. By leaning into the awkwardness of asking for help, I discovered a whole new world of possibility. It wasn't about begging or groveling but inviting others to join me on an epic adventure and the vision I am so passionate about. And don't get me started on the Stay Curious mission to share high-level smarty pants ideas with regular folks like me.
Looking back, I realize that discomfort isn't the enemy—it's the secret sauce of personal growth. It's what pushes us to expand our horizons, challenge our assumptions, and rewrite our stories. Crowdfunding may still make me cringe, but hey, it's also taught me a thing or two about questioning my resilience and willingness to reinvention. As I write in Goal Smasher: Update Your Mind You Date Your Life, "Dreams, I mean really big dreams, require getting good at asking for help."
So, here's the takeaway: get uncomfortable. Lean into the awkwardness, embrace the cringe, and watch as it transforms you in ways you never thought possible. Crowdfunding may have started as my unexpected teacher, but it's become so much more—a lesson in courage, vulnerability, and the beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone.
Talk Soon,
Audrey