In January, I set a new challenge for myself:
Do something that scares me.
And one thing I always wanted to do was be friends with my neighbours.
Imagine having movie nights with someone from just across the hall 🥺
That was my vision and what pushed me to knock on that door despite my fears.
(I even made a video abt it here - from Jan 8 omg.)
Slight spoiler for how it went…
3 month update
Ever since I knocked on my neighbours door, we’ve:
Gone for weekly walks
Traded food and little gifts (left outside each other’s doors)
Had photoshoots
Played board games
Yapped while eating some nice homemade meals
Had a Barbie movie night
Had a girls night at the bar (this was so fun)
it was such a vibe
But it didn’t start that way
When I first knocked on some neighbours’ doors, most didn’t reply.
Even this week, I faced a lot of rejection.
Since I’m moving out of my apartment (so it’s my last chance), I left notes outside some neighbours doors…
But none of them texted me.
Whenever I knocked, no one answered.
Until I decided to try again for the third or forth time 😅
And someone texted me immediately after my knock.
All of us (me and the 2 neighbours who responded to me) went for a walk yesterday.
It was SO FUN!! We found out all 3 of us are Pisces.
But I couldn’t help but think…
What if I had been too scared?
What if I stopped trying after 1 rejection?
I wouldn’t have had such a cool, heartwarming experience.
Having memories like these make me so grateful for life,
Like I feel like I’m fully living it.
Like during our walk yesterday, I was telling my neighbours all about my sidequests in our city.
They don’t take a lot of time - just a few hours here and there on weekends and evenings (board game nights at the library, Crossfit or pilates, martial arts free trials).
And I was surprised to hear that they hadn’t explored our area as much:
All these experiences had me thinking…
What if I applied this energy to my dreams?
I can only imagine how much impact my business could have:
Knocking on my neighbours door again and again → selling my offers online again and again
Hosting fun events with my neighbours → creating a fun community that gives people energy
Sharing cool stories and tips about our city → sharing cool advice and tips about what I learn in business
Trying new things that scare me a bit like martial arts or going to an event in my city alone → trying new things that scare me a bit like posting more content that’s different (business focused not productivity), especially if I think it’ll get less views
When I think about it, the main reason I was able to get over my fear of rejection with this neighbour stuff was because I was focused on what could go right rather than what could go wrong.
Ex) Getting ghosted by neighbours or having people think I’m weird vs having an enriching friendship full of fun memories
But when I look at my business stuff and why I haven’t taken action on some of my goals, it’s because I focus on what could go wrong.
Ex) Instead of focusing on how much my knowledge and energy could help people, I focus on the small chance that people could leave hate comments and call me a sellout or scam. Also the fear of judgment and low views/getting unfollows even though I know logically those numbers don’t determine my worth
Focus on the reward, not the pain
That’s actually the “secret” for how I stay so consistent with my habits.
Instead of thinking:
Ugh I have to do my journaling
Wow it takes forever to do these dishes, I gotta find a good podcast to listen to while I do this but I can’t decide which one, it’s too much work
I don’t wanna start on this admin work it’s so boringggg
I try to focus on the result I want:
Journaling is worth it because I can look back on my fun memories instead of forgetting everything. It makes my days feel more intentional and complete
Washing dishes in silence is kinda meditative and I’m grateful to have clean plates to eat delicious food on
This admin work connects with my value of helping others, it’ll make their lives easier. Also I can ask a friend to cowork with me at a cute cafe, that’ll be so fun!
I’m not perfect all the time, so sometimes I’ll still think negatively and get caught up in the painful process rather than the rewarding outcome.
But hopefully today’s email is a good reminder for you to focus on the positives - you’ll stay more consistent that way 🫶
How was today's email?
Til next time,
Jennifer
P.S. libraries have the COOLEST programs like sometimes sewing machines, Libby (free Kindle vibes), podcast rooms, 3D printing, drawing lessons and other events, etc. Highly recommend supporting your local library, it’s so easy to get a library card!
