Writing About Yourself Is the Worst

I would know.

I left my own agency website untouched for years, happily letting client projects take priority every single day. Because writing about somebody else? Easy.

Praising another person’s skill, attitude, product, or service? Easy.

Looking at someone else with kindness and describing what you see? Super easy.

But we don’t often treat ourselves with that same kindness.

What that looked like for me: years or making half-hearted minor updates to the Almostronaut website… both hoping and dreading the visitor stats go up, and refusing to hand out my outdated business cards. I made the “shoemaker’s shoes” joke so many times that even I couldn’t stand it anymore – and then joked about that for another several years. Recently, I have actively asked people to not go to the website. It was old. It was embarrassing. Of course, they didn’t listen 🙂 The contact form was working and people kept getting in touch.

But now, finally: the new version is here

The curse has been broken, we have liftoff! Also: new business cards, rack cards, and Almostronaut stickers (which, let’s be real, was the most real motivator).

Along the way, I’ve learned a few things. Since I know many of my clients struggle with the exact same block, here’s what I’d like to pass on…

Lessons learned along the way

• The bar isn’t as high as you imagine.
  The old Almostronaut website probably wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was still doing its job. Clients still found and contacted us.
• Perfectionism is just insecurity dressed in a suit and tie.
  We hide behind “not ready yet” when we’re really just afraid of being seen.
• Involve your cheer team.
  This is the sort of stuff that is easier with a team. Big shoutout to Almostronauts Devyn and Jeff, and a few other people who have been so, so helpful with their feedback and pep talks. You know who you are.
• You deserve the same grace you give others.
  When I write for clients, I focus on what’s true and good. It’s time we learn to look at our own work that way too.
• It’s good enough.
  Say it out loud. Then launch it. Then go do literally anything else with your life. You can come back tomorrow and fix it (but it probably doesn’t need fixing).

The new site is here, and I’m happy with it. But mostly, relieved, and glad that I stopped waiting for the perfect version of myself to show up and write it.

If you’re stuck in a similar loop, I see you. You’re not alone. And you’re probably doing better than you think!

Regardless, if you need a second pair of eyes, a helping hand, some encouragement or a brainstorming partner… I’ll be on your cheer team!