I’m at BlogWorld this week. The event is overwhelming to say that least. The very least. We’re talking rock-bottom “least” here, people. So far in three days I’ve only gotten six hours a sleep, and while I might not be a diva about much, sleep is definitely one of them. I’m trying not to be a complete monster by drinking tons of coffee, but let’s face it - I’m pretty immune to caffeine in such low quantities. I need to start an IV I guess. Which I’m pretty sure is illegal and unhealthy, but injecting coffee straight into my bloodstream would definitely help with the whole “I don’t have time to pee every five freaking minutes” problem I’ve been having.

Anyway, BlogWorld is by far one of my favorite clients, but I’ve never been super good at this whole in-person-meeting thing. I have a bit of social anxiety, and while I usually push through it and meet cool people despite myself, big events like BlogWorld can be intimidating.

I know a lot of you feel the same way, and to you, I say this: circle, circle, dot, dot, now ya got your cootie shot.

I know, I’m a total third grader, right? I had apple juice with dinner too, no lie, you can ask my hotel roommie. In slightly more adult language: Man the fuck up. If you need a kick in the patootie to do things like BlogWorld, consider this post the first boot. Networking is scary if you aren’t an outgoing person. Hell, networking can be scary even if you are! And if meeting new people doesn’t scare you, think about what else out there does. What is standing in your road, keeping you from having that awesome career you want? Cootie shot its ass. We use being shy (or other hang ups) as a way to justify mediocrity. Push yourself to be better than that.

Or at least don’t bitch when you’re the one watching everyone else find success, leaving you dust. New flash: success takes time and, more importantly, hard work. If you don’t live and breathe your job, even the scary parts, don’t complain when you’re just average, at best. If you want to be a great, you have to actually…you know…be great. No matter what your industry, the greats out there took risks, worked hard, and did stuff that made them want to crap their pants out of fear. You don’t get to be on that level by running away and playing it safe.

But okay, I think I’ve hammered my two important points home, right? 1) Don’t let fears slow you down and 2) for god’s sake, someone bring me a coffee.