When I was 7 or 8 my Mom signed me up for Brownies (the younger group of the Girl Scout franchise).

In preparation, we went to the local Woodwards to get me suited up with my brown regalia, including brown socks.

I was now ready to become a Brownie and was hesitantly looking forward to attending the meetings. The first meeting was after dinner and I bravely walked to the school where it was held.

But I hesitated to go in.

My mind raced about all kinds of things that could happen once I walked in the door. Valid or not, they caused grave concern.

Will I be rejected as a new member?

Will the other girls laugh at me?

Will I live up to the Brownie code of honour and conduct?

Will the leader be an alien disguised in a Brownie’s uniform?

It was enough to have me decide to wait outside until a familiar face showed up so I could go in with her.

While I stood outside the door staring down every girl that approached, I had a sense of confidence that my plan would work.

I just needed to be patient and wait for the opportunity to present itself so that I could enter the meeting with ease and confidence.

As time passed, I continued to peer at each of the faces going in but alas none were familiar.

And it was getting late…The meeting was going to start soon.

Crap, no one else was showing up.

I was standing alone outside while the meeting was starting inside.

Crap.

It was time to decide.

Either be brave and enter on my own. Or go home.

I took a big breath and walked through the doors.

The meeting had already started and everyone turned around and stared at me.

Crap.

My (almost) worst fears were coming true.

I was being stared at, judging whether I should be accepted or not.

Surely everyone was laughing at me on the inside.

And being late was not adhering to the Brownie code of conduct.

At least it was too soon to tell if the leader was a friend or foe yet.

However, much to my relief, I was welcomed into the circle where… the leader soon exposed her alien ways.

She conducted a uniform inspection and I failed!

My socks were not high enough.

“But they are standard issue!” I exclaimed.

“I doubt that, they’re too short.” She retorted as she issued a demerit mark on my Brownie record.

How embarrassing!

What would happen if I turned and ran for the door?

Being risk-averse, it wasn’t worth the possible consequences.

I was stuck living my worst nightmare complete with an alien leader.

Whose idea was this anyway?

It’s all Mom’s fault.

How dare she make me experience something new and fun?

Well, the good news is, the rest of the meeting was indeed fun. Not only that, but I never missed another meeting for the next 10 years as I eventually became a Girl Guide and strived to earn every single badge available.

So why was I so hesitant to enter that very first meeting by myself?

Fear of the unknown can be very debilitating sometimes, can’t it?

But how real are the stories we make up to justify our hesitancy to try something new and different?

What fear has been rearing its ugly (and unrealistic) head lately that’s causing you to hesitate to move forward in your business?

Maybe it’s time to feel the fear and do it anyway.

Sprinkle in the Girl Guide motto to help boost your confidence while you’re at it: Be Prepared.

And if you’re waiting at the door looking for a friendly and familiar face to guide you with your brand positioning so you can have an impact on the people you want to serve, why not set up a free consultation with me? I promise I’m not an alien in disguise.

About the Author, Susan Friesen

Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.

Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.

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