Issue 065: When Fear Almost Stopped Me + What I Would Have Lost
Over the past week, my Facebook Memories have featured significant moments. July is one month that holds heartbreaking trials, as well as heartwarming triumphs.
When I received my cancer diagnosis in 2016, I set a goal to attend NSA Influence 2017, the premier event for speakers. The four-day conference would be my celebration for making it halfway through the unexpected journey. The doctors and surgeon warned me I probably wouldn’t make it because I would be hospitalized from the treatment’s severity.
On July 7, 2017, with minimal stamina, I carefully walked onto the Southwest flight to Orlando, despite the warnings and my fears. As crazy as it sounds, I feared I’d topple over when bumped before sitting in my window seat because a high school memory kept surfacing. On crutches with a fractured ankle in my cheerleading uniform (it was pep rally day), I went to hop onto the front entrance step when I misjudged the step. I fell flat on my face in front of about 50 kids.
“If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
July 7th remains monumental because, 24 hours prior, I had finished the 30th session of Buzz (my Flip-It word for radiation). At the same time, I started a second round of Magic Wand (chemo) with eight months to go. You can imagine the fatigue.
During the conference, I had a quick conversation, less than fifteen minutes, with my business coach, part of my Power Team.
“I don’t know what word describes you. It isn’t bounce back because it isn’t strong enough,” my coach admitted. These words stuck in my head. During one session, the speaker used the word “bounce,” referring to the bounce rate for analytics when I heard the knock.
“When opportunity knocks, you have to open the door, with or without your confidence.”
Immediately, I texted my coach. Opportunity knocked.
The two little words, Bounce-Up™, felt right.
One goal
One decision
One business coach
One conversation
One opportunity
Would Bounce-Up™ ever come to fruition if I hadn’t set that conference goal? What if I had let fear stop me from walking onto that plane? Setting the goal caused a rippled effect.
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
Each choice, setting a goal, getting on the plane, hiring a business coach, listening to the business coach, and hearing the opportunity, became a stepping stone to my business brand.
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to write this book [Bounce-Up™] than Mj Callaway, who lives and breathes how to bounce-up from setbacks.” – Dr. Renee Thompson
Bounce-Up™ Momentum Builders
1. Is there a time when you didn’t open opportunity’s door?
2. Who can you text when opportunity knocks?
3. What choice has created a positive ripple effect?
Mj’s Happenings
After answering numerous questions about being a podcast guest and getting booked, it was time to put all those tips and resources into my newest remote Masterclass: How to Be a Great Podcast Host to Grow Your Business or Brand; Wednesday, July 28; 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST. Got questions? Email me. There are still a few Early VIP seats available at an introductory investment. Register here.
Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up, and Bounce-Up™!
Mj
P.S. Photo description: July 6, 2017, the last day of Buzz; July 10, 2017, Influence’s awards ceremony. #Grateful #Blessed #Bounce-Up
