The deadline is set, my team is in place, so now it’s all up to me. And the idea is terrifying. Suddenly, I can’t breathe. My checklist is complete except for MY accountability and the idea for that accountability is taking my breath away.
What does it mean to “risk it all” if I do not include everyone I know to witness this journey? Not just friends and family (who will love me anyway). But business colleagues, former business colleagues (who may not even remember me), my book club, my students, fellow instructors (who I have to face every day), casual acquaintances, friends from my travels across the globe, indeed everyone for whom I have an email address. Those of you who know me well know how shocking (substitute any word here…desperate, foolhardy, nuts) this venture of public exposure is. I am a hugely private person who rarely posts anything on social media let alone shouts about any personal deficiencies. I feel that you really don’t need to know if I went to have ice cream, or didn’t go to the gym. Unless I solve cold fusion or world peace, you probably won’t hear much from me on social media. If I never wanted to disappoint my boss when I was working, how about putting my reputation on the line in front of everyone in the whole stratosphere (or at least my sphere). I am now accountable, perhaps exponentially so, to all of you.
"If you don’t fail it’s because you did not risk enough, and if you didn’t risk enough it’s because you didn’t put your whole self out there." Carlos Barrabes.
So, today, I’m sucking it up and begin risking it all. I am sending the link to my website to every “you” I know. My efforts will be instantly visible. I am putting my whole self out there and inviting you hold me accountable (even for not going to the gym). I am writing this blog chronicling the journey (guess writing the book wasn’t enough torture for me?). My team and I will be sending out updates on social media and via email. We have some clever viral marketing campaigns in development and some smart influencers on board. It’s going to be fun for all of us. At least, I sure hope so. It’s in your hands now, my cadre of bosses. If I fail, you will see it. If we succeed, it will be because you were looking. I thank you and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!
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