Feeling the “Good” Kind of Nervous

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Lisa Alioto

16 January 2020 25 comments

Have you ever been afraid of something that may change your life for the better in a variety of good ways? That’s where I’m sitting right now, right here in my office chair.

An opportunity has arisen that seems pretty exciting.  But with every opportunity comes the question, can I really succeed at this?  Should I commit my time to this opportunity?

Admittedly, I’m a bit apprehensive. This is going to be a completely new experience for me.  However, the risks are low and if I don’t go for it, I fear I will live with many regrets.

So, as I sit here in my office chair, I have mixed emotions. I realize how lucky I am.  But I also don’t want to chance failing at something; my psyche isn’t up for that right now.  But.. what if I succeed at it?  I’m definitely up for that!

I sit further back in my chair.  What is all this really about?  I realize that it’s the unknown that’s really getting to me. Can I or can’t I?  I’ve learned though that every emotion has a purpose. Being nervous isn’t a negative emotion or mindset but rather a signal to me. In this case, a signal that a challenge is on the horizon.  And even good challenges can be a bit scary and make a person nervous.

But in all of this I need to remember how adaptable I am. I have failed and survived. With each of those failures, I’ve learned something new so even if this ends up poorly I’ve gained.  And, I have succeeded and thrived. So, if it goes swimmingly, I’ve chalked up a new success to my list.

I also have to share that riding above the nervousness is gratefulness. I’m grateful that this opportunity came to me.  I’m grateful that I have proven to others that I have the ability to succeed in this endeavor.  In short, while I am nervous, I am very grateful. 

Through the course of writing this, I’ve begun to convince myself that I’ve got this. I want it and I’ve got this!  I’m going for it!

Have you had a similar experience? I’d love to hear how your “before” and “after went!

And while you ponder your new endeavors, here’s one that you should definitely check out – these great deals!

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25 thoughts on “Feeling the “Good” Kind of Nervous

  1. You got this!!!! Rooting for you!!!!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Thank you Mika – and thank you for stopping by!

  2. I honestly know what you mean by the ‘good’ kind of nervous but sometimes it’s so hard to distinguish the good and bad. Great post ????

    1. Lisa Alioto

      It is, isn’t it Charlotte! Often time will tell. That’s why I think adding some contemplation/analysis before diving in is always a good idea, especially if one is unsure. It’s not a perfect process, but it often does the trick. 🙂

  3. Feeling like this every now and again can remind you that you’re still alive! I find this feel is super rare for me, but when it strikes me, it is usually about a passion project or a cause close my heart! x

    1. Lisa Alioto

      So true Ellie! And that feeling of being “alive” is so powerful – it’s exciting! I’m glad that you are still finding ways to find this feeling in your life!

  4. You got this! I’m currently still in this whole “feeling” with just starting out blogging. But similarly like you if don’t jump on it, I may regret in the future. We may never know what we may accomplish if we don’t ever try.

    1. I was there with my own blog too – and if I hadn’t tried it I would have regretted it even though in the end I decided having my own blog, at least full-time, wasn’t for me. I’d say go for it and leverage your peers for support!! You’ve got this!

  5. As much as I sometimes feel i want to go back in time, i still say I won’t be who i am now because of my learning journey. Anxiety and fear hit me in some situations but it shaped me through out the time

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I completely agree with your sentiments Athba! We are who we are because of the journey we have chosen for ourselves!

  6. I definitely have a hard time feeling a “good” kind of nervous because worry is not far behind. But it’s definitely better than bad nervousness because it comes with hope that things will be good or that things could get better.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Exactly Laura – and with hope comes a chance for a big success! 🙂

  7. This is my current state as I work on my new blog! Can I do it? Is my content good enough? Is blogging still lucrative? Thanks for the reminder that we all have these thoughts but to trust our gut – especially when those nerves are exciting!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Jen – I felt this same way when I started my blog! I am sure your content is great. For me, the key to success was perseverance and dedication. It definitely wasn’t as easy as I thought but it was very rewarding in a variety of ways. I am sure your blog will lead you on many exciting journeys.

  8. Kimberlie says:

    Congratulations, I hope it is everything it promises to be and more. I’ve felt this way most recently about starting my business and about becoming a mother. Both were as amazing as I envisioned.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Thank you Kimberlie! i hope so too! Congratulations to you on starting your own business AND becoming a other. What an exciting time for you!

  9. Nervousness is a signal that we’re putting ourselves out there and taking chances! Life is all about making choices and we can choose to play it safe and stay in our comfort zone or get out there and take those chances! Getting out of the comfortable is always the right answer – way to go!!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Completely agree with you Amanda – great way to put it all!

  10. I totally get what you mean. The good kind of nervous is great. It means a new experience and you can only grow from it.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      It is such a great experience Poovanesh! I’m glad you get those feelings too – they are so exciting!

  11. I’m forever held back by my self doubt when opportunities come my way, or when I have ideas that I really like. I wish I had more confidence in myself and my abilities

    1. Lisa Alioto

      It’s a hard thing to have that kind of confidence, especially when it’s foreign territory. I find that small steps really helps in these moments! And (easier said than done) simply trusting yourself.

  12. There definitely is a good kind of nervousness, even if we don’t see it as good at the time. Nervousness itself is very healthy! Thanks for another good one.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      You’re welcome Jen – I really appreciate your comments and insights!

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