Ever heard of the hashtag and popular saying, “shameless plug,” used on social media when someone shares their work or profile?

I’ve casually and playfully used it from time to time when I felt too awkward to share something without ‘shame.’

My question to myself and you all is…Why should we feel ashamed in the first place?

Why is it difficult for us, as creators and up-and-coming influencers, to ‘shameless’ plug without the shame involved? Simply ‘plugging’ our work. What a concept, right?!

In a perfect world, we would plug our work with our followers and friends because we think they should see something we’re a part of or worked hard to create. No shame. No awkwardness. No embarrassment. Again, A CONCEPT.

Shameless plug your work, without the shame, shamelessly. Here’s why it makes sense… Share on X

The fear of self-promotion may be a common phenomenon in the ‘creator’ or ‘aspiring’ creator realm, but it doesn’t have to hold so many of us back from going public.

Here’s why this fear needs to be demolished, and how / when to decide to 'let go.'

You never realize how silly fearing self-promotion seems until you break it down and convince yourself that it is, actually, absurd of us to worry so much.

To me, there’s a very thin line between those that don’t have a problem sharing their content, and those that don’t have a problem sharing but are deathly afraid of their work being rejected.

Either way, the fear of self-promotion and rejection go hand-in-hand.

Rejection, or simply the negative outcome of judgment from others, is debilitating for the strongest of creators. Nobody wants to worry about their content, profile, or self (in general) being rejected and deemed ‘not valuable enough’ to consume or look at.

Related Post: How to Avoid 'Blogger Envy'

Don’t get me wrong…I'm aware that sometimes it’s really not ‘that deep’ for people. Some, not all, are comfortable dealing with one end of the spectrum while struggling with the other.

For example, one day I may not ‘feel’ like sharing a link to a video (or so I think). Other days, I might catch myself too afraid to share even though I, deep down, don’t care if people judge what they see.

Since there are two ends of the spectrum, and because I think breaking things down is so beneficial, let’s go ahead and define where we stand when it comes to the two common fears.

The fear of being seen + the fear of being rejected may be real but neither defines us as creators! Share on X

 

scenario 1: fear of being seen

You have a video idea, need to start or repost content from your blog, or want to share more visuals on social media to grow.

Even if you haven’t yet completed what you’re already afraid to share, let’s just say you have a YouTube video ready to publish for the sake of an example. (I, personally, have been in this position one too many times).

It’s time to hit publish! Wait…

Did I stumble over my words too much?
I don’t even look like I’m wearing makeup maybe I should re-film when I look better.
Will “——“ see this video? I'm not sure I want this to be a video 'they' watch. 
Should I even post it? I can just wait until I have a better background, camera, or editing software. 

Reason after reason, we make up our own nonexistent problems that justify why this video shouldn’t be seen. Whether it’s our appearance, our surroundings, or those that we know might see something that belongs to us—we can’t seem to shake ‘the itch.’

The ‘itch’ is that bothersome feeling that stops too many creatives from feeling the sun on their face. Feeling the glory of going public with their work no matter what the platform or medium is. This sun deserves to be felt on all of our skin, but it’s not.

With or without a YouTube video as an example, the fear of being seen is just that. Along with being seen, we subconsciously experience the effects of vulnerability and ‘letting go.’

It’s not easy giving unknown followers or friends an inside into our work and life nor is it comfortable to open up in a way that leaves you/your work bare and open for consumption. 

my advice to you

If you really want to feel that 'sunshine' I keep mentioning, you need to find the courage to share what you're afraid to show others. It needs to go public and, when it does, you have to be ready to let go. Let go of the desire to control everyone who sees it and let go of the anxiety that comes with exposure.

Yes, you and your work are exposed to just about anyone on whichever platform.
No, being seen is not bad and it could open more doors that you’re afraid of it closing.

action steps: 

- Find one piece of content you're afraid to share and do just that. Share it.
- If you don’t have content just yet, ask your social following how they would feel about something you want to do. Ask if they want to see you start a blog or film a YouTube video and let your friends’ reassuring words or advice encourage you!
- Take notes from your inspirations on whichever platform they're most active. If you’re afraid to be seen, study how they make themselves seen and find a route that feels right to YOU.

 

scenario 2: fear of being rejected

You may be ready to share and self-promote after spending the time to create, edit, film or write something that you’re undoubtedly proud of.

You grab the link, write a cute caption on your favorite platform, and hit ‘share.’ Wait…

What are ‘they’ going to think about it?
“——“ wrote on the same topic for their eBook. People will probably think hers/his looks better.
Nobody liked or commented, is it not good enough? Did I write enough? Did I say enough?
Their website looks so beautiful and mine looks so boring. Maybe I should re-brand to make it better so I can really succeed (like them).

Whew. Triggering right?

This fear is 100% where I fall when I start feeling the self-promotion ‘itch.’ The nagging feeling that rejection is near or sentenced to you before your work can be fairly consumed is exhausting.

The scary thing about rejection is, sadly, the ability for this fear to last longer than we expect. Unlike being afraid of being seen, worrying about rejection is ten times harder when you’re okay with the act of ‘sharing’ your content.

You can share links left and right, but the anxiety that comes with not having ‘good enough’ content can stick to you like gorilla glue.

Why gorilla glue, you ask? There are two no-nonsense ways to get it off your skin. Acetone or sheer force.

This, my friends, is how you can also kick the fear of rejection. Not necessarily using acetone because THAT would be problematic, but by either finding the perfect solution or forcing its wrath away.

Get rid of rejection like gorilla glue. Create the perfect solution or tear those thoughts away by force. Share on X

my advice to you

Like I mentioned above, create the perfect solution or tear those thoughts away by force. My perfect solution is taking my time when I create the content I share with you all present day. This may lead to longer blog posts that are posted a day late and nonexistent YouTube schedules, but it helps me defeat judgment. If I worked THAT hard to create something I proudly share, there’s no way a rejection can be in my hands. (It would be in the hands of someone that simply doesn’t like my topic or isn’t happy with their life enough to be positive).

On the flip side, tearing these thoughts away by force is also an option, although difficult and discipline-testing. On any given day I may catch myself praying, encouraging myself, and seeking reassurance (to change my thought patterns).

action steps: 

- Ask another creative or friend (doing something similar to you) about what they think of something you created/shared. Use feedback as your fuel.
- Change up your schedule or overall plan to accommodate your fear of rejection. Need to take a little longer to write? Change up your video background? Find a better spot to capture Instagram photos? Find the solution and take action (immediately).
- Or, hear me out...Just put your content out there and kick your feet up. There is enough room in the universe for your content and enough oxygen (for now: #conspiracytheory) for your voice to be heard.

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If you made it this far I admire your dedication to learn more and take whatever gems you can catch to tackle self-promotion.

Let this post be a source of encouragement and a reminder that your fear is more common than you think.

If you enjoyed what you read make sure to SHARE with your friends so they can benefit and/or reach out to me if you have any blog post requests or further questions.

In the words of my favorite content creator, Shameless Maya on YouTube,
“Do you, be you, stay true, be shameless boo!”

-Miss Lynn