Making tough decisions - What you can learn from my mistake

Last fall something intimidating happened: My new book came out. 

 

This book was a labor of love that took me 5 years to research and write. It’s packed with research and interviews with people like David Allen and Seth Godin. I was very proud of it, but scared of its release. 

 

Why Was I Scared?

 

Because my intuition told me that it would not sell as well as it could and should.

 

Ironically, the main message of the book is about how to listen to your discomfort and have it guide you towards the best decisions. My expertise is how to manage anxiety and confidently push yourself.

 

I didn’t head my own advice. I’m quite disappointed about this, but realize that mistakes are part of the growth process. As an author and coach, I need to make mistakes so I can tell you what NOT to doJ 

 

What Happened?

 

We had difficulty titling this book. It’s about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone in the way that works. The goal is to accomplish the things you’ve avoided or doubted your ability to do, thereby building confidence and advancing in your field or career. 

 

Because it’s about being a leader in your life and work, we called it The Confident Leader.

 

Exhaustion Wins

 

I feared that this title would not sell the book because the audience is not necessarily “leaders.” The executives, entrepreneurs, salespeople, and professionals who the book is for many not see themselves as “leaders”. Reviews of the book have pointed this out.

 

I didn’t push harder for a different title because we’d gone through dozens of options and couldn’t find the right one. I was tired and so I acquiesced. I convinced myself that it would work even though I knew in my gut that it was not ideal.

 

Allow Intuition to Build Energy

 

What I should have done was to take a break. I should have given myself some mental quiet to hear my intuition. I should have allowed that intuition to energize me to come up with more ideas and advocate for another solution.

 

Take-Away Lessons

 

1)       Even when you’re an “expert” in an area, you need to check yourself because it’s not always easy to follow our own advice.  

 

2)       When a decision is important, refuse to give-in if part of you doesn’t agree... even if it's just a small part of you.

 

3)       Get yourself completely onboard (or off) by finding mental quiet and allowing your intuition to guide you. 

 

 4)       When in doubt about whether to go with your rational analysis or your gut, go with your gut.  

 

If you’re interested in topics like these, do read the book, even if you’re not a leader, you’ll find many things that can help you, and you’ll learn more about how not to make mistakes like I did. (And if you read it, please let me know what you think.)

Have a difficult decision of your own?  Or a lesson to learn from a past mistake like I made?  Post them here and I'll be sure to respond.

Comments

[David Perry]

Larina

I'd like to interview you for my readers. can yo call me please at 613-236-6995.

[Larina Kase]

Thanks David. Please email an interview request to info@pascoaching.com and mention that this blog comment. If it's a written interview, send along the questions and a bit of info about your readers and your url. If it's phone, my assistant will schedule a time.

[mark]

FYI... In Amazon on the "reviews of the book" link you have above..they have your bio attached to a photo of a man.

http://www.amazon.com/Larina-Kase/e/B001IQXKY8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_T1_0

[Larina Kase]

Thanks Mark. That's funny. It was my coauthor of The Confident Speaker, Harrison Monarth. I've asked them to change it. Appreciate the url too, that was helpful.