Be A Contribution

The Art of the Start

“I don’t have the right equipment.” 

“There are thousands of others who are doing what I want to do.”

“Who am I to ask others questions? I’m not an expert.”

For years, these thoughts roamed through my head, preventing me from starting something I wanted to do.

A podcast where I could create a space for others to be seen, heard and valued. 

Before you read any further, please acknowledge and internalize the following, “It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

Self-limiting belief #1: “I don’t have the right equipment.”

The first few episodes, I recorded using a MacBook ProBlue Yeti, and a picture from our first fundraising event, which I hung in the background of my closest to give it a more professional feel.

“Closet?”

“Yup, I recorded the episodes from my apartment closet.”

It was the only room I could control the sound quality.

I had to move all of my clothes to a side where they weren't being seen in the background and run the AC an hour before, otherwise it became unbearably hot (Texas heat). 

On days when I forgot to turn on the AC in advance, I recorded the episode via audio only. I didn’t want the guest to see me sweating profusely.

Self-limiting belief #2: “Who am I to be hosting a podcast and asking questions to others? I’m not an expert.”

I believed these thoughts for a long time prior to starting the podcast.

I still wonder at times, how many projects I could have started and finished if I understood what I know now, “Who says that I have to be an ‘expert’ to start? "No one is an expert when they start."

I re-framed it in my mind, and gave myself permission to ask questions that I wanted to know the answers to.

Self-limiting belief #3: “There are thousands of others who are doing what I want to do.”

So, what?

“Why can’t I be the millionth?” I asked myself.

It may be true that there are thousands of others doing similar things.

However, no two conversations are the same, questions may be heard differently depending on who is asking, answers will be different depending on how the question is asked and who is asking it.

I’m curious to hear from you, “What do you want to start now that your thoughts may have held you back from previously?”

If you don’t know how to start something ask for help. Reach out to people who know more about whatever it is, be curious, research, surround yourself with others who have experience in doing the same thing and learn from them.

I’m here for you and happy to share what I know. Your network is here for you. We’re all here cheering you on!!!

Oleg Lougheed is the host of the Overcoming Odds Podcast, where you get a glimpse into the stories of individuals who have overcome adversity, suffering, and struggle in achieving their personal success.

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Be A Contribution

“How many people have you served?”

The question that most of us working in mission driven organizations get asked over and over again.

I will never forget the day when I was asked this question.

It was the first week after starting, Overcoming Odds.

Very few things were developed during that time frame, yet I was already being asked what appeared to be the ultimate question regarding our work.

The question, as I learned over time, that determines whether or not you receive funding from individuals or supporting organizations. 

I said, “We just started.”

The air surrounding me felt heavier, as I concluded my sentence.

I noticed his facial expression change from a place of curiosity to what appeared to be, “this is a waste of my time.”

Otherwise, known as disappointment.

I didn’t know how to proceed, as I simply couldn’t shake off the newly developed thoughts running through my head.

As I tried to explain the vision of our work in detail, he lifted his right arm, gazed at his shinny, silver, expensive watch and said, “I’m sorry, I’m late for my next meeting. Can we continue this conversation at a later date?”

“Sure,” I responded.

As we shook hands, I walked straight to my car, tears streaming down my face, thinking, “Why is this the question that determines whether or not your work is worthwhile?”

Little did I know that this question would appear at every networking event ... grant application ... sponsorship proposal .... or any other opportunity when you’re given a chance to discuss your work.

It was hard not to take it personally when asked, “How many people have you served?” especially if being asked in front of other people and having the chance to hear their answers.

“500.”

“10,000.”

“150,000.”

Numbers that were 10X or 100X compared to the number of people we were serving at the time.

In all honesty, I struggled with this for many years.

It impacted how I viewed myself.

Questions and statements such as, “Am I doing enough?, “I need to work more,” used to fill my head.

There were days when I wanted to quit what I believe to be my life’s work.

There were days when I cried myself to sleep, as I didn’t think I was making enough of a difference.

All due to wanting to meet someone’s standard of what it meant to have an impact in this world.

It wasn’t until I met Kahila HedayatzadehNicole AshStacy JohnsonBrian KellyMark CourtneyElorm AhiamadjieSteve Boerner, and read books, including, “The Art of Possibility” that my perspective changed.

I began to think of my impact in this world, as a contribution and not a measurement of good.

I started to ask myself, “How will I be a contribution in the life of others?” instead of, “How many people can I impact today?”

This changed in mindset but it didn’t happen over night.

It took months of practice to instill this new way of thinking.

We’re all walking unique paths in life.

No one shoe fits all.

Nobody gets to determine whether or not I am being a contribution in this world.

I get to decide that for myself.

I want to hear from you, “How will you be a contribution to someone’s life today?”

If you enjoyed this, please share your thoughts by commenting below or joining us on one of our weekly, “Courageous Conversations” virtual meetup gatherings.