Trying new things: becoming an author
In his book, The Luck Factor, Richard Wiseman identifies several common attributes of lucky people. Since reading his book, I’ve always tried to lean into its principles and talk about them regularly with coaching clients to demonstrate the power we all possess to create successful and fulfilling lives. We just need to change our attitude and actions.
One of Wiseman’s findings is that lucky people create, notice, and act upon the chance opportunities in their lives. One of the ways they do this is by being open to new experiences.
New experiences often feel uncomfortable. Have you ever gone to a networking event where you don’t know anyone and stood in the corner too scared to make conversation with anyone? I know I have. There’ve even been times when I’ve got to the front door of the event venue, lost my confidence, and turned straight back and gone home.
Why do we do this?
Trying something new can feel risky but often creates opportunity
New experiences and people can feel risky. Our brains are screaming ‘danger’ at us - but there’s no danger there. All that’s in front of us are opportunities to meet new people, make new connections, and learn new information. It’s unlikely that any single networking event will lead to an amazing job offer or a new best friend, but you never know. Stranger things have happened.
Since starting my business, I’m trying lots of new things. It’s often terrifying. But more importantly, it’s exhilarating and interesting. Every time I do something new, I get a sense of achievement. Often, it even creates another new opportunity.
Working with business coach Robin Waite (check him out, he’s brilliant) I’ve been inspired to start a podcast, Beyond Potential with my friend and collaborator Tom Mason. This is great fun but requires novel skills that we’re both having to learn. Sometimes when we’re recording, we make a complete mess of it and have to re-record it. Sometimes we listen back and realise we could have done it better. But overall, it’s something we’re both proud of. It’s also giving us the opportunity to meet new people and find out about their interesting lives and careers.
Becoming an author
The most challenging thing I’m doing though is becoming an author. Called ‘People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a CHRO’, my new book tells the story of a struggling CHRO who goes to a coach for support. She’s introduced to the CHRO Impact framework; a model I’ve devised to support high performing and aspiring CHROs.
I’ve never written anything longer than a 5000-word essay before, and that was well over 20 years ago. I’ve never developed a framework for CHROs before either. Before I did it, I never believed I could do it.
Writing the book has taken perseverance and concentration (not things I’m often known for), and if it’s to be successful, I’m going to have to put myself out there as an author.
I laughed with my publisher when I first met her, saying that I didn’t actually want anyone to read my book. No, I just wanted something to give out as freebies to existing and potential clients. She set me straight quickly; she only works with authors who write quality books that people will read. Not only will I give it to clients, but it will also be sold in shops and online when it comes out next year.
So now I’m going to be ‘Tom Emery – author’.
Enjoy the process
Becoming an author feels different - and weird. But I’m getting used to it and hope that it leads me to even more new people, new things, and new opportunities to share my insights and help people reach their full potential. In fact, I’ve already met a group of inspiring authors through my publisher’s author community.
And maybe, it will completely flop. But I’m fine with that. I’m going to enjoy the process and make sure I’m proud of the result.
Grasp the opportunity
So, the question is, what new thing are you putting off trying?
Do you need to broaden your horizons, push yourself to build new relationships, or develop confidence to try new things, but struggle to do so? I can help you. Get in touch with me at tom@hex-development.com.
