The Scaffolding Phase

Okay, now this might not be easy for you, but I promise it’s going to be so worth it!

Stop rushing down internet research rabbit holes. Between working full time and starting a side income, your days are busy. 

If you want to create space to do what those in the scaffolding phase do best, which is building a strong foundation, then you’ve got to shift your focus away from reading, researching and planning and get into action!

This is about impact as much as it’s about money. Maybe even more so. But don’t shy away from thinking big, here.

The more abundant you are, the more you can afford to share, and the greater the impact you can make.

In his book, The 7 Habits of Successful People, Steven Covey talks about the importance of knowing your end goal.

“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.”

Knowing your end goal or the bigger WHY behind your desire to succeed in the scaffolding phase is going to be what motivates you along the way.

Are you mostly interested in providing other School Social Workers with amazing resources that will help them save time on paperwork and planning?

Or…

Would you be happy to make a few extra dollars a month? (In my first month online I made $50 and I was super excited.) 

Are you looking to get yourself out of traditional Social Work roles all together or just supplement your income so that you can save for a home and travel with friends every other year or so?

What drew you to the Social Work profession in the first place? And what about it still excited you?

Even on the most stressful days with clients, there’s that special thing that keeps you going, right?

Maybe it’s the spark you see when your client finally uses their coping skills to control their anger.

Or that feeling you get when you have the privilege of watching your client walk across the stage for graduation when you know all the odds they had to come to get there (in those moments, pomp and circumstance never gets old)

Or maybe it’s even the sense of satisfaction you get from finishing the last page of your Diagnostic Assessment (I mean someone's gotta like writing DA's right) 

Take note of whatever it is that really excited you about the work you do in the profession. Because your passion is going to become your niche. It will become what you teach beyond those 4 cubicle walls that have felt like they were holding you back.

When you start your side business around what you love and share resources you’re truly passionate about, you’ll always be excited about creating new content. And you’ll always feel good about what you’re teaching.

All the online business experts will tell you “the riches are in the niches” but I can’t help but add “your passion will lead you to MORE than just profit."

Here's what I want you to do. Plan a 30-minute block where you can sit down uninterrupted (easier said than done, I feel you! Grab a pen and paper and write down the mindset blocks and limiting beliefs coming up for you when you think about reaching your big goals. 

Lets not ignore the little voice that LOVES to butt in and say, "That's impossible!, Who are you to do this, No one's going to buy that!" 

Because that voice will NEVER go away, and the more you try to ignore it, the louder it gets. 

Acknowledge that voice and write down your fears, your hesitations, the things you feel are standing in your way. In doing this, you neutralize them and can more easily see them for what they are...a false narrative and story your brain is making up to try to keep you safe and comfortable. (You know, the same thing we teach our clients). So you also know that your brain was DESIGNED to do this. So your brain has to know that your steps forward are ok to take, and that you are safe.