“I’m not a businessman, I’m a BUSINESS, man!!” – Jay-Z

Because I couldn’t mention B without her boo.

They say “if you want different results, you’ve got to do different things”.

I’m feeling the weight of those words lately. I keep asking myself why I’ve been doing the same things, when I want different results.

And so, after being told so in infinite variations over numerous years, I’m attempting to live it.

Years ago I named my blog “claireshegoes” purely for fun. Now, I can’t help but think that it has to mean something.

I want to get into sharing personal media with the world. But it’s been rough.

I had to send my first podcast episode to a friend. I couldn’t bear to hear my own voice.

With the second episode, I listened to myself. But I cringed like crazy. And then there was the editing process. Due to procrastination, it took a lot longer than I wanted it to.

Plus, I didn’t have as much fun putting my show together as I think I could have. I really want to get into podcasting. I want to produce quality audio, and enjoy myself while doing it.

But in the meantime, what’s going on?

Am I afraid of what’s going to happen if I really step up and stick my neck out?

I think so. But you know what the song says.

You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.

While job hunting, you’ll undoubtedly hear about things such as elevator pitches. In this era of social media, you’ll probably be told about personal branding. I have winced more than once as I’ve been told about about being able to summarize myself in 30-seconds-or-less. Who wants to work on those things, right? Who wants to think of him or herself as a product?

On one hand, I can relate. I don’t particularly care for the fact that we live in an era of human commodification.

On the other hand, personal branding marketing can be useful. It’s a bit easier to clarify your purpose once you’ve decided what you’re about.

All of that to say this:

Big moves require big actions. And if you want to step up, you’ve got to step out.