Why are we scared to put ourselves out there?

I listened to a podcast recently, where the hosts were were talking about why we are scared to put ourselves out there online. Like posting a vlog (e.g. YouTube), writing blog articles or even recording your own podcast! I’ve always wanted to start a podcast but never had the guts to do it until I listened to the guys, and think what they have to say is worth sharing.

If you can add value to at least one person in the world, you should do it.

I think that a lot of people want to put themselves out there online, but might feel hesitant about it. If you’re like me, you probably have thoughts like “what makes me so special that other people should consume my content?” Or “what would my friends and family think?”

You might think why do I have the audacity to record a podcast or record a vlog? But the podcast says that a good way to think about it is if you can add value to at least one person in the world, you should do it. And anyway it should be fun and creative thing to do.

Also pretty much the only way to add value to other people’s lives is sharing things about yourself. If no one did that you have wouldn’t have all the great content you consume today!

You can compare this to when someone puts themselves out there for their job. Think about a news reporter or a columnist writing for the Guardian etc. That doesn’t seem weird right? So why do we think it’s weird if we try to do the same thing?

Also, if a friend or family member started a podcast, I’m guessing you would probably be supportive (I hope). So why not be supportive about doing this to yourself?

This got me thinking about my podcast idea. Especially now, as I have so much time. This is because in UK where I live, we’re in another lockdown for a month at least.

I know that if I created this content, it would definitely help a lot of people – even if only one person found it. I think they would find it useful as in the end there is no one else who can do it like me.

The podcast hosts reassure us that the more you do this and put yourself online, the less weird or awkward it feels. It’s like a muscle you have to work. The more you do it, the less awkward it feels and your confidence level goes up each time- or so they say!

So to summarise. We generally feel anxious about putting ourselves out there online as we’re worried about what other people think. And we’re probably worried what we have to say doesn’t have much value.

But we should try to think about this differently. That what we have to say has value. And other people like our friends and family should be supportive of this. As if it was the other way around, I’m sure we would be supportive of them.

So I think this has changed my mindset on putting myself out there- it’s persuaded me to give the podcast thing a go! So watch this space..

If you’re interested in listening to the podcast I’ve mentioned in the article above, it’s called Not Overthinking and the episode is actually called “Why are we scared to put ourselves out there?”

I would be interested to get your thoughts on if you agree with shifting your mindset in this way. So that you get more confidence in putting yourself out there and ultimately adding value to other people’s lives.