Alumna Guest Post: Taking a Risk on Myself
If there was a club for risk-averse people, not only would I be a member, I’d be the founder of the group. But one day, I put that membership on hold, because I knew I had to take a risk. I would have to believe in myself enough to take it.
For years I’ve had people tell me I could do my own thing, I could consult and freelance, and I should do it. But the idea of starting my own business had been a pipe dream. One I wasn’t sure was possible.
Looking back now, I can see that dream was often said aloud but never acted on. Whenever I was asked the classic interview question: “In 5-10 years, where would you like to be in your career?” I would often answer with, “Consulting and helping businesses strategize for marketing and communications purposes.”
“We rise by lifting others”
My leap of faith started with a friend who started pushing potential clients in my direction. It made me quickly get my act together. It appeared I was jumping all in, regardless if I had all the plans laid out.
Others have helped carry me. I’ve surrounded myself with cheerleaders, who have pushed me, who have mentored me, and who have breathed confidence into me when I’ve doubted myself. There’s no way the faith I’ve had in myself would be possible without them.
“Beautiful girl, you can do hard things”
This has been a mantra for me for years. When there are internal debates happening, and imposter syndrome sets in, this simple saying is the best reset.
After all, it’s not really an option to give up. There will always be difficult situations and hard decisions to make, but for me, remembering I’ve made it through every hard and difficult thing in the past gives me the strength to push through.
“Don’t dig up in doubt what you’ve planted in faith”
I’ve always had confidence, but this leap of faith to take a risk on myself, start my own business, and see where it goes required a whole new level of confidence.
As a Type A personality, I’ve made peace with the fact that I don’t have all the answers. The logistics aren’t perfectly laid out, and I don’t know what’s next. But I knew I had to take the risk, and see where it leads me.
I’ve let my faith guide me, serving as the gauge between where my head and heart are on things. This adventure has been a real exercise in living out my faith in myself.
Angela Breer is the Founder & Chief Dot Connector at Dot Strategies, a strategic marketing company she launched in 2022. As a Hispanic-owned business leader, she is skilled in cultivating relationships, storytelling, managing projects and sticking to timelines. Her ability to think creatively could be considered her secret power.
