Not gonna lie…I feel icky writing this. I want this note to be all inspirational and stuff, like I always have it together. But I don’t. I’m making it up as I go along.

SHHH, LET’S KEEP THIS A SECRET BETWEEN US, SHALL WE?

I feel icky because I recently responded to a proposed contract with a list of amendments, instead of signing it outright.

I was tempted to sign it, but I knew–in my gut–I needed to make amendments to ensure we’re on the same page.

And now I’m on that dreaded entrepreneurial roller coaster of OH MY GOD WHAT DID I JUST DO?!

What I FELT:

• Worry (what if they rescind the offer?).
• Embarrassment (who do I think I am asking for such changes?).
• Fear (what if they think I’m a diva too big for her britches?).

What I’m CHOOSING TO FEEL:

• Pride (I asked for what I thought was fair).
• Trust (what’s meant for me will find me).
• Hope (both parties will agree to equitable terms and get it signed).

There was a time in my career when I should’ve asked for a contract, but felt embarrassed, so I didn’t. Worst decision. EVER.

There was a time in my career when I should’ve amended a contract, but felt ashamed to push back, so I didn’t. Worst decision. EVER.

There was a time in my career when I should’ve changed the terms to a contract, but worried I’d lose the opportunity, so I didn’t. Worst decision. EVER.

While I’m tempted to regret those decisions, I’m choosing to express gratitude for those lessons. They made me stronger.

I’m writing this as a reminder to myself to hold my head high and trust my value as a business owner. I’m writing this to you as a reminder, too.

Don’t back down from defining your terms, stating what you want, and explaining what you think is fair.  Not always easy, but always worth it.

I’ll let you know how things fare with the contract in a future post, but I know one thing for certain: If it gets signed or not, it’s a good thing.

Trusting the process,

j*

P.S. Had the most incredible conversation with Lewis Howes, “You’re Not Stuck: How to Overcome Fear” on the podcast. You do NOT want to miss this one!