Scale, Scaffold & Most Importantly... Self-Define

Think big. Then, think BIGGER.

“You are in your element.”

I smiled as I read that comment on a Facebook photo I’d posted in early 2015. I was halfway through my first year overseas, and a wave of joy washed over me.

Despite a gruelling start to London life—namely the struggle to find a flat, a job, and build a life in one of the world’s most expensive cities—I was in my element.

For all its curve balls, I’d never experienced so much freedom and independence. And through my determination, I managed to hit every ball—even if it meant bunting from exhaustion. For the most part, it was exhilarating. And that was enough to compensate for the depleting moments of self-doubt.

Fast forward eight years to 2023, and I felt a similar smile emerge last week.

I was catching up with a mentor who’s supported my solopreneur venture from the start when he said, “you sound really good.” I realized I feel really good because once again, I’m in my element.

Exactly three years ago, I made a drastic career change and since then, I’ve obtained a certificate in Learning Design and Technology at the Harvard Extension School, made an overseas move, joined a startup hub, quit the startup hub, and spent the past fifteen months building the foundation for a company of my own.

It’s been a wild ride that’s culminated in the best way: the release of my first course next week. And while I still have a long way to go in building upon the foundation I’ve laid, I’m confident I’m only going up from here—thanks to two mantras that never fail me:

1. Think big. Then, think BIGGER.

2. Scale, Scaffold & Self-Define

Today’s edition is dedicated to helping you leverage these two mantras to catapult toward dreams of your own. So grab a coffee or tea, get cozy, and let’s dive in.

Think big. Then, think BIGGER.

The people I admire most are those who tell me to think big. Then when I do, they tell me to think BIGGER. They challenge me to visualize my dreams coming true—like a scene from a movie. What would it look like? How would it feel? Right away my thoughts paint the scene and I feel a gust of energy to step into character.

That’s where my second mantra comes in.

Scale, Scaffold & Self-Define

My second mantra—scale, scaffold, and self-define—is inspired by this quote:

“It’s only when you make the process your goal that the big dream can follow.”

—Oprah Winfrey

Thinking big is exciting. But the key to realizing that excitement is to map out a strategy to blaze towards it. That’s where the three “S”s come in.

Scale

Most dreams are reliant on some element of scalability. In other words, you have to make yourself or your work available broadly. You can’t expect a massive breakthrough if you don’t summon the courage to put yourself out there.

Here’s how I’m scaling: I’m launching a course. Because after fifteen months of freelancing, coaching, and selling course-building materials on Gumroad, I’m tired of spreading myself thin and repeating the same advice over and over. Now, I can use my course as a scalable product and allocate time to other offerings.

A glimpse of my intro video on my course landing page

My question to you is, how can you scale your impact to move further toward a heartfelt dream or aspiration?

Scaffold

When you think of scaffolding, you probably picture temporary structures built from metal poles and wood planks (especially if you live in Montreal since we’re the capital of construction). But scaffolding isn’t just a physical platform for construction workers to reach higher. Scaffolding is a principle at the heart of good learning design. And it can range from a framework to a template to a feedback group—and so on. Anything that gives you temporary structure to build knowledge or skills is considered scaffolding.

Here’s how I’m scaffolding: I’ve joined the Un-Ignorable challenge led by marketers extraordinaire Katelyn Bourgoin, Founder of Customer Camp, and Neal O'Grady, Co-founder of Demand Curve and Bell Curve. As someone with a mere baseline in content marketing, this course will provide me with the scaffolding I need to build an audience of future buyers.

Image source: Twitter

My question to you is, how can you get the scaffolding you need to make strides in your life or business?

Self-Define

How we define ourselves defines the level of success we’re capable of. It doesn’t matter how smart or talented you are, if you don’t believe in your heart you can do something, you won’t be able to. You’ll self-sabotage—perhaps without even realizing it—because you’re wired to align your actions with your beliefs and expectations. That’s why it’s crucial not to define yourself by any one aspect of your life or business.

Here’s more wisdom from Oprah on this topic:

Dr. Julie Gurner @drgurner

Oprah, like many incredibly successful people, was going to succeed no matter what she did. This is an interview she had before her show hit the air. They asked her, "what if it doesn't go well?"...and this is what she said. #mindset

Here’s how I’m self-defining: I’m not defined by the success (or failure) of any one thing in my life. That includes my most heartfelt projects. Yes, I give them 100%. Yes, I want them to be a massive success. But if they’re not, I’ll adapt. Adaptation is one of my strengths. I’ll either pivot or move on to a new project. That mindset alone makes me successful every day.

My question to you is, how can you define yourself in a way that makes you feel successful now (versus in the distant future)?

Last Chance to Pre-Order My Course

My course officially launches next Wednesday, January 18, 2023. That means you have until January 17 to grab it at the early-bird price. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions in the meantime. Otherwise, for those of you who have already purchased it, thank you for supporting me. I can’t wait to build your course together.

Thank You & Join The Conversation

Thank you for being an early supporter of my writing and solopreneur adventures. I appreciate every like, comment, and heartfelt reply more than you know. I love that my weekly writing ritual keeps me connected to friends around the world.

I would also love to hear how scaling, scaffolding, and self-definition play into your big plans for 2023. So comment below with anything you would like to share.

You can also like and share this post to help me expand my reach.

Wishing you a wonder-full week.

All the best,

Alexandra

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