I don't always believe in myself, I am constantly worried about how I will be perceived, I don't always think my ideas are worth being heard AND I am constantly terrified of failing 🙃

I haven't posted a blog since February and now it’s July. That means 5 months have passed where I haven’t completed something that I promised myself I would 😳. Even now I am struggling, forcing myself to write this blog. Alexa, play “You gotta be” by Des'ree. So, why is it that I fail to complete the things that I know will help me progress? The truth lies somewhere between caring too much about what people think of me and convincing myself that my ideas aren't worth it so I don’t fulfill them. Even now I'm thinking about how this entire post will be perceived. This is a shame because the whole base of my brand, my baby, and my life: Unframed, is to tell your story – regardless of what it looks like.

Unframed stands for breaking the narrative, paving your path in a way that works best for you. Take all of the knowledge you have gained, all the obstacles you have faced, deconstruct them, and recreate them in a way that works best for you. This is who we are. Whether it is your story to be chaotic or bold, whether you move in silence or decide not to move at all, tell a story that is yours. 

How do we remain consistent in following through with our ideas even when we think they aren't worth it?

I can only speak for myself, but upon researching why it is so difficult for me to be consistent, I've learned it’s because I do not believe in myself. Which is hard for me to admit, because how do I expect others to believe in me when I continuously fail to show up for myself? At the beginning of my Quarter One (January - March) I created a list of Goals I wanted to achieve for Unframed. Last week 😬, I finally reflected on the Goals I met and the ones I failed to meet. 

I noticed I met more goals than expected with 40% effort. Imagine what I could have done if I continuously showed up for myself even 80% of the time. My point in sharing this is not to bash myself for failing or encouraging continuous creation, because both of those ideals are unrealistic. But rather pointing out the small strides I did make in moments where I told myself my ideas weren’t worth believing in. I want to be a reflection of the stories I tell and the people I meet.  That comes with admitting: that I don't always believe in myself, I am constantly worried about how I will be perceived, I don't always think my ideas are worth being heard and I am constantly terrified of failing. But… I am dedicated to convincing myself that my ideas are important enough to be seen and heard and I think you should too.

Small Ways to show up for yourself, When you don't feel it's worth it

• Check off the small goals you accomplished

• Admit when you fail

• Share the work that makes you happy

• Check in with yourself to mark your progress

• When creating your goals get as specific as possible, create a timeline + track your progress

• Promote yourself

In an effort to Practice my Preachings, Here are some ways you can help me reach some of my goals ➡

• Check out some of my most recent work and share it with your friends

• Shop my prints! I have some new ones coming so be on the lookout 👀

• Let's be Internet friends, Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest

• Looking for a photographer? Just want to talk? Send me a message! ashli@ashliunframed.com