Are you a “good girl?” Here’s how to tell…
The Good Girl is unfailingly selfless and considerate.
The Good Girl is always looking for ways to make everyone around her feel comfortable (since you’re here reading this, something tells me that you know exactly what I’m talking about!).
So there’s something you need to know about being a Good Girl and it isn’t pretty so take a deep breath!
Ready? Okay, here goes…
If you’re a Good Girl or you identify as a “nice” person you’ll probably struggle — and maybe never make it as a successful entrepreneur.
Why? Because when a Good Girl writes or creates for her business, she’ll do whatever it takes to “stay inside the safety zone.”
The safety zone is the space where it feels like you’re saying and doing all the “right” things” all the time.
You’re friendly and accommodating. You go along to get along. You’re never disagreeable, difficult, or — heaven forbid — unlikeable.
Maybe you’re thinking, “So what’s wrong with that, Shantini?”
Glad you asked 🙂
You see, social posts, emails, videos — basically any type of written or visual content for your spiritual business — needs to be meaningful and persuasive in order to stand out and gain attention.
And writing to gain attention requires courage.
It requires fiery passion and the kind of audacious spirit that makes most Good Girls shake in their perfectly polished Mary Janes.
Unfortunately, Good Girls like us (yes, I’m a recovering Good Girl. I’ll share my story soon!), tend to shy away from being boldly, unapologetically who we truly are.
We don’t like to “ruffle feathers” and while it might seem like the “polite” thing to do, it could also end your business.
Here’s why…
There are more self-published writers, creative artists, and entrepreneurs right now than at any other time in history.
Being authentic and honest and being YOU, is the name of the game and playing it “safe” — playing it so you can get approval from as many people as possible — that’s a death sentence for a writer and entrepreneur.
Here’s the thing though…
Good Girls are raised (read: trained) to seek approval and this mindset strangles — in many cases, kills — creativity and unique expression.
So what can you do to overcome this? Here’s what I’d love for you to try…
The next time you post a piece of writing, the next time you’re in front of a camera, ask yourself:
Am I doing this to help? Am I doing this to make a difference, to create positive transformations for my audience/customers/clients/readers?
OR
Am I secretly hoping for likes and hearts and happy, approving comments?
We are here together as spiritual entrepreneurs to connect and communicate with each other in an intricate web of love and trust and support but make no mistake…
A business is a business and we need to pay the bills.
The cold, hard truth is being loved by every single person you know does NOT equal a steady income or money in the bank.
While it’s never a good idea to share thoughts or ideas that are purposefully polarizing JUST to gain attention (you’ll be called out and you can kiss your reputation and your business goodbye), you DO need to be honest…
And sometimes that means being — hold onto your hats for this one — disliked (yikes!)
As an intuitive writer, copywriter and coach, I sometimes have to let my client know she’s waffling and unclear in her writing BEFORE I can show her how to fix it.
As a life coach, you may need to gently let your client know she’s getting in her own way on her way to her goals BEFORE you can help her get back on track.
Feelings could get hurt. Some people may “unlike” your business page or unsubscribe from your email list but take heart, dear heart…
The people who end up sticking around are those who truly need what you have to offer. These are people who’ll experience REAL change with your offerings and services…
These are the people who will appreciate your work and pay you for it.
Again and again.
So go ahead and write what’s in your heart. Speak up.
Deviate. Differ. Disagree.
Whatever you do, be honest. Be YOU. It’s the only way you can affect real change. It’s the only, lasting way to build a sustainable, successful business and create the kind of wealth that you want… and deserve.