Well, it’s here!
Happy 2016 to you and yours and I hope you had an amazing holiday season!
I had planned to start the new year by sharing some Goal Setting Strategies, but when I sat down and started writing, my thoughts took me in an entirely different direction.
I found myself thinking about a heartwarming email I received over Christmas. A reader shared her hopes of starting a furniture painting business and then expressed some concerns including this…
…the problem is I don’t know if I’m any good or how to not be terrified.
Maybe you have a dream and feel the same way! I know I can relate because I felt the EXACT SAME WAY when I started my business.
I questioned everything. My ability. My skills. My knowledge. My resources. My creativity. My time. Or lack thereof of all the above… or so I thought.
I had an OVERWHELMING feeling of self-doubt and fear of failure.
And guess what? Here’s the kicker. If I’m going to keep it real, it’s 2+ years later and I STILL struggle with with self-doubt.
Here’s proof. Over the holidays I spent some time reflecting on 2015 and thinking about the up coming year. I was mulling over the goals I’d like to set to grow and expand my business. Now that I’ve painted and restyled a ton of furniture, I feel confident in this area. And I’m always eager to learn more. But what still doesn’t come quite as easy to me {even though I love it} is blogging. I’m not even sure when I officially became a “Blogger”… and even saying it still sounds weird to me. But the reality is, there are months when the SI Blog brings in more $$$ than my furniture sales, so it’s definitely a significant part of my business.
In creeps the self-doubt.
Blogging to me is about being an individual and sharing a part of myself and what I’m passionate about. Furniture Painting. When I think about how many of you may read (or may NOT read) what I write, it can be intimidating. And at times, I still feel out of my comfort zone even though I’ve been doing it for over 2 years. I’ve asked myself, am I interesting enough? Do I provide relevant and useful information that you can benefit from? And maybe the hardest of all is when I start comparing myself to all the other amazing blogs online.
Why am I sharing all this?
I think we all question ourselves when we follow a dream. Maybe it’s because we fear what others will think. Maybe we think others will judge. Maybe we don’t feel good enough. But ultimately it benefits us to work through all the above because if we never try, we let OURSELVES DOWN.
The idea of starting a business or following ANY dream can feel intimidating and exciting at the same time. I like to deal with my self-doubt by remembering that whenever I’m feeling fear or uncertainty, it’s probably because I’m on the brink of something great that’s just not within my comfort zone….yet. And once I do get comfortable by acting-as-if, there will be another goal beyond my comfort zone that will feel just as intimidating and exciting as the first.
This is how we grow. This is how we develop strength of character. This is how we achieve our dreams.
It’s okay to feel vulnerable. It’s okay to question yourself and feel self-doubt so long as you muster up the courage to take a baby step towards your goal.
As we enter 2016, it’s my hope for you to let go of your fears and uncertainty. Focus on what’s important to you. Do the things that make you smile. Honor the magnificent unique being you are and chase that dream… whatever it may be!
Feel free to chime in below. And check in later this week for my first salvaged restyle of the year… it’s look’n adorable!!!
Denise
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Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Denise, oh, it really made me sad to read about the insecurities that so many women have! Thank you though for your honesty and for the honesty of your readers about their insecurities. Here’s a different take on insecurity: I was brought up in a home where my mother was the Queen Bee and the only one allowed to ‘succeed’. However, deep in my spirit, I believed that I could accomplish anything that I wanted to in life. So, with Mom constantly telling me why I couldn’t do this or that, I just quietly went about getting 2 undergraduate degrees and 1 graduate degree, paying for them myself, working, and getting college loans. No help from her or my Dad!! Then, on the side, while working as a professional, full time, I started a successful business! Maybe her negativity was a ‘reverse kind of encouragement’. (Smile) Anyway, I also think that many women grow up without encouragement and have feelings of failure, inadequacy, and fears. Do you hear of any men complaining of this? No! I believe that women are talented, smart, powerful, giving, caring and capable of accomplishing anything that want to. From experience I say, “Stuff the doubts, insecurities, and fears and just make a plan. Then, take one step at a time to accomplish your goals. Never, ever give up! Make up your minds that you will succeed!” It works, Bev
I love your take Bev…so true and what an inspiring story! The only thing I would differ on is men’s feelings of failure or fear. I believe men have just as many insecurities as us women do, but unfortunately it’s not as socially acceptable for them to voice their insecurities. And to tie in with your “make up your minds that you will succeed”… I really like this quote – “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you are right.”
― Henry Ford
Your blog is great! I want to start a blog this year because I have gotten so much information from other people’s blogs. This is a great way to get and share ideas and tips from around the world. I just recently realized I can subscribe to blogs. I have found info on other blogs, but couldn’t find them later. Carry on and keep on sharing.
Hi Denise,
As you know I am a big fan of yours. I look forward to your post on facebook and blogs. This blog was written for me and I’ll tell you why. I have been procrastinating for awhile now to write to you because I needed some advice. I was afraid to ask you because of doubt, insecurities about my work that I do. Is it good enough etc,etc? And here you answered my thoughts without me saying a word. Sometimes things are just meant to be.
Where I live in the states ( one of the buroughs of NY), painted furniture isn’t as popular as some parts other parts of NY. Not that people don’t love it or buy pieces they do, but I noticed it’s not that easy to sell pieces as in other areas on our map. I would love to give this a shot, start a business with tiny baby steps as mentioned above ^ on one of the comments. I really don’t know how to pull this off with working full time and this as my side business but I really want to go for it and try!! I have no clue how to move it forward. I love love your messages and tips, I talk about you all the time and tell my fiance how awesome you are to share with us how toos and more. Thanks again your the best !!
When I was starting out, I felt self-conscious about my painted furniture too Ann. Totally normal when you’re just starting out because it’s a real learning curve! In regards to selling painted furniture in your area, assessing your market is brilliant. Every area is different! The exact same painted piece could sell for $200 in one city and $2000 in another city. I wrote a post on Pricing Your Painted Furniture if you’d like to take a peek at some point. I’m cheering you on from my end Ann!!!
Thanks Denise 🙂
Denise,
I can’t tell you how much your encouragement spoke to me personally. I have had self doubt this entire time and it has really limited me. I really appreciate you writing this and you are a great blogger – actually my top blog that I go to for advice on redoing, repairing, painting, etc., furniture. But thank you for writing this. I need to block out those thoughts and push myself.
Jaana
I think it’s a rare person who can totally block out self-doubt. And it does take courage to live life without limits and follow our dreams. Personally, taking baby steps works for me because if I dive into the deep end I get discouraged. My sister always like to remind – slow and steady wins the race! 😉 I’m wishing you all the best Jaana. Be kind and gentle with yourself as you set your goals my friend. x
Denise, I found your blog a few weeks ago. I want to start my own furniture/refurbish/repurpose business just like you. I admire your experience, honesty, and heart. I know I just have to jump in and do it, but I feel so afraid of failing. Your words today, which I found just now couldn’t describe me any better. I had my boyfriend read your Hopes for 2016 and the first words out of his mouth was “Di, she sounds just like you”! I have been running around the Seacoast of NH gathering items free on Craigs List. Do you have any specifics regarding what to avoid or embrace on my first journey? Thank you for making my day today (tears of joy) as I write this. To all a safe and happy 2016. Di
Ya, avoid the fear and embrace the fun…lol…easier said then done I know. 😉 If you’re passionate about furniture painting (which I’m assuming to be the case if you’re hunting down free items on CL… brilliant btw) I would embrace the process for each piece and learn as much as you can. The more pieces you restyle, the more techniques and skills you’ll acquire; then feel more comfortable to get the word out there and start selling your pieces. The fun part about this business is there’s always room to learn and grow. I really like this Gretzky quote – “You miss 100% of the shots you never take”… so true… I hope you take your shot Di!
Hi Denise
Thanks for your words of wisdom. I am ready to jump in. Michael, my boyfriend called me down to the basement tonight and showed me my organized work space complete with the hanging fluorescent lighting we got free on Craigslist 2 days ago!!
I start tomorrow.
All the best Diana… and your Michael sounds like a keeper! 🙂
I know this is going to sound crazy, but just writing this comment is a step for me. Because I always think the comment sounds stupid and what will others think, etc.
But I want to say your blog I love, because you share all the details about your project. For some of us like me that are not as experienced in doing these projects, we need all the in between information. Not just step 1 and then jump to step 2 and then we wonder about how did she do that. you share all the details and in between information. For me I appreciate your blog, because you are real and also have shared things that go wrong. It makes one feel not so lame when they make a mistake. You have such great tips.
You are a good blogger, you take time and thought into what you write.
Thank you.
Deborah
Doesn’t sound crazy at all Deborah! Sharing thoughts or feelings online can leave the best of us feeling slightly exposed or vulnerable! I’m so glad you took the time to share and comment. Your kindness put a huge smile on my face! 🙂
This post was so great to read. I read a lot of blogs, and follow other furniture painters. And they’re all great, including you:).. Thank you for sharing not everyone feels 100% confident all the time. That makes me feel so much better! Good luck and have fun to all in this new year❤️
Ya, isn’t it funny how we can feel 100% confident in certain areas of our lives, and not measuring up in others! So glad Salvaged Inspirations made your ‘bloggers’ list Mimi!!! Happy to have you here and all the best to you too! <3
Thanks for this post. I’m going to bookmark it and come back when I’m having doubts about myself or my work. Its comforting to hear that you have doubts yourself – and your work and blogging advice is wonderful! I always look forward to your posts and think I have learned quite a bit from you. I appreciate that you share your knowledge with us.
PS. Did you give up on the SW primer? I have a whole gallon (unfortunately) and find I can scratch right through it with 400 grit sandpaper. No bueno.
Thank you for this Allison and yes, bookmark away! 🙂 I haven’t used Sherwin Williams Primers but I’m a huge fan of their paint though!!! I have heard their Shellac Primer is amazing! I had the same problem with scratching off when I used KILZ MAX Primer which claims to cover as well as an oil or shellac but unfortunately I had no luck. Kudos for you for doing the scratch test though… some painters don’t!
My bad! I could have sworn you tried it and were unhappy when it failed the scratch test. I love their paint as well but the primer is probably only ok for walls. It’s very thin. Well, now you know, don’t bother! 🙂
With all the products out there it gets confusing whats what sometimes..lol. I appreciate the heads up Allison! I’m super happy with B.I.N Shellac Primer. 100% success for covering stains, smells, tannin bleed through and ahhh-mazing adhesion!
thanks for sharing and letting us know just how real you are!:)
Thanks CC… appreciate it! <3
So well said Denise!! Your work both blogging and furniture is top notch. You certainly have the knack for writing and presenting your material is a beautiful and creative manner.
Keep up the great work…. I can’t wait to be back.
Maxine
Thanks Maxine… or I should say neighbor!!! So nice to stay connected with talented furniture painters in the area. Your work is gorgeous! x
Oh, golly! You write so well! I love your blog! Very informative and descriptive!
Thank you! Happy 2016 to you!
Thank you Laurie {huge smile}! Happy 2016 to you and yours too!!! x
Denise, Sure, we’re all human and we have our moments. You enthused through and do what you love. THAT IS STUPENDOUS!!! I heard someone say it’s the journey, the adventure and I know all that but then she said that if the object of a vacation was to go somewhere, have fun and then come home… if the end result is to be back home again… then why go? I laughed out loud! I have tended to go for results and not the process/journey/adventure. You epitomize the joy of doing what you love. Keep on keeping on and sharing your adventures! THANK YOU!!!
~ I chose two words for 2016 as my guide and they are “BOLDLY HAPPY”. I wish this for us all. Happiest New Year!!!
It really is the journey and enjoying yourself along the way! So I ask myself, do we lose sight of that sometimes..lol! I LOVE your guide words for 2016 and I wish you all the best too Christina!
Denise, You expressed what every woman feels at some time or even all the time. The older I get the more I value my female friends and the wisdom we all have and can share with each other. You are so brave for sharing your feelings. We can support and learn from each other. You are awesome just the way you are. We love and appreciate you. Do your best and that is good enough and you are good enough. God gave us dreams and if God also gave us the way to make our dreams come true. We just have to keep trying. Peace, Love and Blessings
Thank you Nancy! And I couldn’t agree more…the older I get, the more I value and appreciate all the supportive people in my life. I realize without the love and support of my family, friends, colleagues and ALL OF YOU, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Wishing you an amazing year Nancy… and always love your words of wisdom! x
Denise, I loved this blog. It is so true, we all have our insecurities at times and second guess ourselves, but I must admit I don’t think too much about things like that anymore, or I wouldnt have gotten this far!! I try not too think too far ahead and do whatever I think of doing at the time and go by trial and error and learn from it. It gives me confidence to look back and go wow, how did I get here? If I hadn’t taken the first baby steps I don’t think I would be where I am today with my store. If I didn’t have the love, support and my friends help along the way it would have been impossible. That includes you as well, you have been a great friend that I could turn to when I am stumped on a painting issue and needed some help. I Google anything I want to under your site and have always found the answers or a quick call to you has helped me find my way. What you do is incredible and so helpful to us all. I couldn’t have done what I have done without you! Seriosly, so have confidence, YOU ARE AMAZING AND WHAT YOU DO AND SAY IS SO AMAZING. I feel like I’ve taken a class after I read your articles! You are really informative and I love how you show options, especially with the 4 chalk paint recipies. I’ve never gone wrong with #1! Lol. So keep up the good work, thank you for your support always, and I will continue to be one of your biggest fans! Mahalo, Lianna
Lianna, you always know the right thing to say. 🙂 I’m so glad you left this message. Baby steps, living in the moment, and having the support of family and friends is SO IMPORTANT! Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom!