When Teaching Becomes Learning

I have a confession to make.

Well, let me back up a bit.

Back before the launch of my CreativeLive classes, I spent the better part of a month gathering information and writing content so I could do my best to effectively teach a couple of classes all about starting an Etsy shop and improving SEO for Etsy.

For as many classes as I've taught and as many people I have helped, I found it surprising how many of my personal insecurities came out during this process.

"Do I really know what I'm talking about?"
"My shop isn't remotely what I would call successful: why would anyone listen to me?"
"I'm not sharing anything new or groundbreaking...I should be doing more."

But loudest one? The loudest one was the one that said, "I'm too fat to be on camera."

Yep. I'm a "plus size / big girl / fat chick". But that doesn't mean I can't teach you a thing or two :)

Huh? Seriously? After all of my years helping craft makers build their businesses and teaching and being chosen go to Etsy HQ to learn about their process and teaching at great conferences like Craftcation and School House Craft and even being featured in the Seattle Times...

THAT is what my lizard brain is going to throw at me to try to bring me down? Sheesh. I'm way better than that...aren't I?

Now. This isn't anything surprising for me. I come from a long line of women who are obsessed about weight and perfectionism. Not to mention that in my "former life" many years ago, I was an actor in Hollywood struggling to get people to pay attention to me. I always thought I was too fat back then too - even though in retrospect I really wasn't.

But I kept going. Even though my insecurities continued to ebb and flow...I knew I had to keep going. I had no choice, really. I just powered through, put my head down, worked hard, researched until I was cross-eyed, prepared class materials, put together lengthy slide shows, typed my fingers numb, and ended up putting together what I think are some pretty information-packed classes! (Find them here: Etsy 101 and SEO for Etsy).

And you know what?

• Even though this is the most I've ever weighed in my life
• Even though I felt like I could have been more prepared
• Even though a few things went wrong (but luckily much more went right!)
• Even though I was super nervous and giggly and had a hard time not looking at the monitor making it look like I had my eyes closed most of the time (haha!), meh...whatever...

I DID IT ANYWAY!

I worked hard and conveyed the information I wanted to pass long. From the feedback I've heard so far, lots of people - both experienced Etsy sellers and beginners alike - learned a lot of helpful stuff too.

So I have to confess...
I'm pretty happy about that.

Now it's your turn.
That thing that's really hard in your life right now? That thing you're struggling with?
I really do think that you have what it takes to get through it. Just do your best. Do what needs to be done and you'll get there. Yes. Keep going. Keep pushing forward. You'll see.

I believe in you!