Disclaimer: If you think this article is about you, you're right. But don't be offended, I'm proving a point, and you're a part of a large group, so guilt by association is a lesser charge.
A few weeks ago, I put out a call to some folks to write guest posts on my Patreon. I wanted to try to break up the voice on my platform and give others an opportunity to speak if they chose to. Two years ago, I did guest posts, and people seemed to really enjoy them, and the writers found them so cathartic and valuable as well.
Something fascinating happened, though, after I messaged people asking if they would be open to posting.
Everyone said yes, some reluctantly (and we'll talk about that), and in the days and weeks that have passed since then, not one person has sent me an article.
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Now, I realize that I bombarded people with this ask, and I also realize that some people were reluctant to say yes, but wanted to because I asked, but that's not my point here.
If you've been following me for a while, you know there is one cardinal rule I live by, and it's to say yes to opportunity, no matter the size or scope, and or where they come from.
Look, posting an article on my site isn't going to get you a publishing deal, nor is your next employer going to come calling tomorrow and offer you a 200% increase in your salary.
But it could happen, I mean, probably not, but anything can happen from saying yes to opportunities.
My whole point here is two-fold. First, say yes to opportunities that come your way because you never know what could come of it, and second, never turn down an opportunity to get exposure somewhere with an audience that you may not have easy access to.
Here's the part nobody likes to admit. Saying yes is the easy part. It costs nothing. It feels good in the moment. You get to tell yourself you're the type of person who takes chances and leans in. Then the moment passes, life gets busy, and the thing you said yes to quietly dies in your inbox.
This is where most people lose. Not in the decision, but in the follow-through.
The gap between intention and action is where careers stall out. Everyone wants visibility. Everyone wants opportunity. Everyone wants to be seen as someone who is doing something meaningful. Very few people are willing to actually do the thing that creates that outcome. They wait until it feels perfect, or until they feel ready, and neither of those moments ever show up.
If you said yes, then do something with it. Send the rough draft. Send the messy version. Send something you're not fully proud of yet. That's how momentum actually starts. Nobody remembers the people who almost contributed. Nobody is keeping score on your intentions. The only thing that matters is what you actually put out into the world.
So if you're reading this and you're one of the people who said yes, this is your nudge. Opportunities don't disappear because they weren't good. They disappear because people don't act on them.
Oh, and I know I caused all of this. I asked you, you didn't ask for this! :)
P.S. Want to be a guest writer? I'd love to have your voice featured. It's time the audience starts to hear from others! Message me if you're interested, and check out my guest writer collection here.