Dare to Share Manifesto
I build. I write. I create. I don’t always share. I want to though. I want to ship and share what I’ve built.
But, there’s an inherent fear and embarrassment - What if people don’t read or like it? What if they don’t agree with it? What if they finally find out I’ve been pretending this whole time?
I wrote this manifesto to revisit during those moments of doubt, when I second-guess, “Is it good enough?” or “Do I really know what I’m talking about? This is so simple; doesn’t everyone already know this?”
I wrote this in hope that it serves as a reminder that the act of sharing is invaluable. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be out there. Someone, somewhere, will appreciate that I took time to write it. Even if that’s only “the future me”.
As I drafted these points, I realized they’re also sentiments I’d want our daughter to remember as she grows up. Imagining her experiencing these fears, I ask myself, “What would I advise her?”
This. I call it the Dare to Share Manifesto.
The Dare to Share Manifesto
My hesitation to share usually boils down to two things: questioning if my stuff’s even good enough and worrying about what others will think. So, I broke the manifesto down to address these two primary concerns.
Is My Stuff Even Good Enough?
Spoiler: Yes.
Here’s why:
You’re in the arena. They’re not. Take a moment to recognize the courage it takes to enter the arena, and share your thoughts and creations. It’s scary to expose yourself, which is why most people won’t. The mere act of sharing already sets you apart. Let those on the sidelines comment and judge. They’re probably doing it anyway.
Remember what’s obvious to you isn’t to others. Everyone’s journey is unique. They don’t have the same life experiences as you. Only you have been on that journey, which gives your thoughts an insightful and unique perspective. Share it. Someone will appreciate it.
Keep a Beginner’s Mindset. People tend to forget what their beginner journey was like. When embarking on learning something new, document it either for yourself or for someone just a few steps behind in that journey. Maintaining a beginner mindset keeps you grounded and keeps that innate curiosity alive. This mindset is important if you aim to continue learning and sharing.
Write for an audience of one. Keep one person in mind. Write for yourself, keeping either a future or past version of yourself in mind. This is important. It makes writing a lot simpler, and sharing a lot easier.
Your voice is needed. It’s more important than ever to share your thoughts. It might sound a bit dramatic or cliché, but you owe it to the world. There are too many loud negative voices out there. You don’t have to be loud; just share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit. Just as you have been.
What Will People Think?
Spoiler: They don’t care. You shouldn’t either.
Here’s why:
People Are More Self-Obsessed than You Think No one is examining you as closely as you imagine. The first thing people do in a picture is find themselves. At gyms, they glance at themselves in the mirror more than they observe others.They’re primarily occupied with ensuring they look their best. They’re not paying as much attention to your actions or words as you might believe.
Your Loved Ones Stand By You. People who truly love and appreciate you will always stand by you, regardless of what you share. A tweet, a blog post, or a video you share won’t change that. They’ve got your back.
Be You. Be Authentic You don’t need to be anyone else. There’s only one you, and the world needs YOU. There are no rules. Just make your own. Be true to who you are. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not. People can spot fake. It’s also exhausting to be someone you are not. You can’t sustain for long without killing your soul in the process. Don’t do that. You need your soul to be kind, honest, and alive.
So, the next time doubt creeps in, or you are scared to share, return to this manifesto.
Read it as many times as you need to drown out the fear and doubt.
Then take the leap to share.
You’ve got this.