Recently I was thinking about all that I’ve learned since starting this website nearly 5 years ago. When I think about the fact that the only thing I knew how to do on a computer when I started was how to send an email, it makes me wonder about my sanity at the time. What was I thinking? I mean how in the world did I think I’d be able to run a computer-based business? I had NONE of the skills needed to make it work. All I had was desire, drive and determination.
Just because I didn’t have the knowledge and skills 5 years ago doesn’t mean that I was incapable of learning them though. When I embarked on this website journey, I took a very basic computer class at Houston Community College. I learned how to do things like cut and paste. Don’t laugh! I really didn’t know how to do that. (It’s really ok to laugh. I see the humor.)
Since starting Woman’s InSite, many doors have opened for me that I never anticipated. I’ve become a Professional Speaker, established Kathryn C. Wheat School of Real Estate, and written a book (being published soon) on Networking. If you had told me back then everything that I would have to learn and do to get this far, I probably wouldn’t have gone through with it. I’d have said, “No it’s just too much. I can’t do all that.”
I had no idea how much I’d need to learn and where this would lead me. The journey usually is different than what you imagine. Things don’t always turn out the way you think they will and you must be willing to grow, evolve, accept changes and learn new things. Growth can be painful. You have to keep taking those steps in faith.
Trust me, there were MANY times I thought about giving up! Technology changed. People let me down. I got frustrated when I couldn’t figure out how to do things. There wasn’t enough money for help and nobody cared about this business as much as I did. But failure wasn’t an option. I realized it was up to me to figure it out on my own.
Sometimes a lack of knowledge is a good thing. There’s a reason God doesn’t line out the whole plan for us up front. We wouldn’t ever take the first step. We’d be paralyzed with fear and doubt if we really knew everything we’d have to conquer up front.
One important thing I have learned is that we can’t become who we need to be by remaining who we are. We must grow and change. Not everyone will be pleased with our growth. It may make people nervous and uncomfortable. It will change relationships. But we must be brave so others will see that it can be done. Be the example and help others along their journey.
“We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson
Woooo, well said, Kathryn! Stepping out in faith is a scary thing. Oh, but the rewards on the other side!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Monique!
I find my story very similar to yours. I would have never done it if I had known how much it would take. I am truly enjoying this journey and all that I have learned and grown along the way!
Maritza, you’re amazing in all that you have accomplished!
Loved your article. One line jumped out at me and I will carry the thought with me from now on. “…we can’t become who we need to be by remaining who we are.”
Thank you Julie!