It's Not Going So Well...

This is going to sound lame, but I have an aversion to doing anything where failure is a possibility.

Its a huge flaw, I know, but I've spent the majority of my 39 years only doing things I felt had a high potential for success.

If hard-work or natural talent ensured my success, I was in. Headfirst.

If luck, developing a new talent or relying on someone else ensured my success though, I was out. I wasn't even dipping my pinky-toe in to test the water.

I'm trying to change that though because I think some really great things can come out of vulnerability and failure. At worst, its a great opportunity for growth. At best though, its fertile ground for humility.

So I'm in...or at least I'm trying to be...

I just joined a softball team and am guaranteed failure because no amount of practice can make up for my lack of natural talent.

We lost our first game 39 to 5 and I found myself turning around in circles multiple times during the game, trying to figure out where the ball went after a grounder bounced right between my knock-knees and my pigeon-toes.

I'm not giving up though.

In fact, we've got a double-header on Sunday and I can't wait.

And I decided to do this Clickin-Moms give away thing again, even though I couldn't guarantee its success this time around. 

And lets just say it's not going so well.

In fact, I think theres only been about 55 sign-ups (and we need 300 by April 31st in order for me to give away those prizes.)

I'm not giving up though.

In fact, I think we still have a good chance of making it happen, but it's going to take you guys telling other people about it on your blogs, on your Facebook pages and when you Tweet or Twitter or whatever you call it. You just need to tell a lot of people if you want a chance of winning. 

I know I mentioned it before, but here's how this whole thing will work...

If 300+ NEW members sign up on Clickin Moms using the Clickin Moms button on the far left side of my blog prior to April 30th, I will do a drawing and will pass along the following prizes to the winners:

- If 10 new members sign up, I'll give away one $25 Starbucks gift card

- If 25 new members sign up, I'll give away one  $50 Amazon gift card

- If 50 new members sign up, I'll give away one  $100 CMstore gift card

- If 100 new members sign up, I'll give away one CMworkshop of your choice or $300 cash

- If 200 new members sign up, I'll give away one Apple 16gb iPad or $500 cash

- If 300 new members sign up, I'll give away one Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800 body or $3000 cash

In addition to all that though, I get a 25% commission for anyone who signs up and I'm going to buy one or two lucky winners a whole bunch of camera gear with that commission check.

So to clarify...in order to be entered, you have to register as a NEW member on Clickin Moms for 6 or 12 months using the Clickin Moms button that is in the far left hand column of my blog. (It's the square icon that says "Clickin Moms, A passion for photography.")

If you click on that button, it will take you to the Clickin Moms home page and from there you'll click the 'join' icon and can select a 6 month ($30) or 12 month ($50) membership. Once you complete your registration, you will AUTOMATICALLY be entered into the drawing. (Renewed accounts don't count - sorry, it's not my rule! And trial memberships do not count either - sorry, that is my rule!)

So if you've been wanting to sign yourself or a friend up on Clickin Moms, now is a great time to do it (and even if you're not all that interested in joining Clickin Moms, consider it a raffle with really good odds of winning!)

I'll announce the winners on May 3rd.

Oh, and to answer a few questions people had...

1. Yes, you will still be entered if you use the 10% off code (FRIEND).

2. Yes, you can enter no matter where in the world you live.

And if it's not a success and I'm not able to give away those prizes?!? You and I will both survive it and we won't be any worse off for trying.

And a couple of photos...

I was taking pictures of Courtney the other day only to turn around find Annie making faces at her.

And when Courtney returned the same expression, Annie pointed and screamed, "Mommmmmmmmm, Courtney is making rude faces at me!"

It was so annoying (but somehow the photos make it look so cute).

Comments

[Michelle]

Karen, my guess is that you are having trouble getting click'n mom registrants is that most of your readers may already be members. I am member, so do not qualify for the contest--so I'm thinking that is probably the case with others as well.

[Jenna]

I'm already (or was already) a member of Clickin Moms....can't re-enter that one. Sorry. And if I could, I would love to give credit to a struggling photographer mom, not one that is clearly financially & professionally successful.

[patti]

I signed up...its amazing even though I have only been lurking so far :)

[Laura]

You are braver than me...I would never sign up for softball because success would be out of the question. And I would love to help you out with the Clickin Moms giveaway, but I signed up the last time you did the giveaway and have been a member there ever since.

[Deanna H.]

I saw this quote posted on Facebook just a few minutes before heading over to your website:
"Anytime you are afraid to try something new... just remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic" (David Drake)
Also, the amateurs who built the ark had God as their guide & strength... and so do you!!

[Ada]

I love this idea Karen! And I think the entire thing is awesome!
Clickin Moms=Awesome.
Your giveaway=Awesome.
Everything that lurks in Clickin Moms to learn & inspire=Awesome.
You playing softball even with no skills=Awesomely inspiring & who cares you live once.

I hope it gets better....I'd totally join in, I'm just so overwhelmed at getting things back into routine after your class!!! I already have so much to reread & practice. Hope it gets better (for the sake of contest).

[Kim McCormack]

I just registered for a year. I'm sure it will give me lots of inspiration. Thanks for the nudge Karen. I've been meaning to do it and had just forgotten.

[Carrie]

I had never been part of a forum before doing your class Karen but enjoyed the format so much that I've joined CM through your giveaway and there is tons of info on there that will keep me busy for a very, very, very long time! Thank you for being willing to run it and giving us the chance to enter - whatever the outcome we'll benefit from the membership either way.
I miss being in class, feel kind of lost without it :-(

[Diane]

Well I had great success today thanks to you xxx

[Kelli]

Don't be down about the numbers for the contest. I think everyone signed up for CM when you told them the first time! I know I did.
Good for you for trying something new. I'm terrified of getting hit with the ball, which happened plenty to me as a child spectator.

[Jamie]

I signed up :) I'm excited to check out the website!! Thanks :)HOpe you reach your 300

[young nanny]

Hey Karen, I will sign up regardless of the prizes a) because it's a great site, b) you recommended it and anything you recommend you would've already tried and tested :D, and c) they are super fabulous prizes!

And you're only a failure if you DON'T give something a go. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Even if we don't have the natural talent, there are lots of things to learn through the process, right? And I'm learning that a whole lot right now. Bless you xxx

[young nanny]

And I've just signed up! Thanks for thinking of us :D

[Helen Shields]

Karen, loved your post today, so current to what I am looking at in my life. I found this via a blog the other day http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html Brene Brown is quite an inspirational speaker and I spent quite some time surfing her other videos finding myself nodding along as she spoke. Best of luck with your endevours

[Nicky from Canada]

Thanks for the reminder Karen - I have been meaning to do this since your original post. Signed up for 6 months and looking forward to it!!

[Cindy Welch]

I needed that reminder. I joined, but how do they credit it to you? There is no where when I signed up to link it to you????

[Ember S.]

Passing the info along! Hope it picks up!!!! 8)

[Allie]

I just went and signed up - I had been on the fence for a while about joining - I was glad I saw your post. I am worried that it didn't link to you to enter me in the drawing - how do you get the credit?

[Jeni]

Hey Karen - I am keen to support your effort ... 'cause I think you are awesome. But I don't understand what Clickin' Moms has to offer. I would love it if you or others could tell me about why they love Clickin' Moms. I was signed up awhile ago but let my "membership" expire. I was turned off by the constant advertising for high priced (although probably good quality) courses. There is a lot more advertising in my inbox than there is invitations to participate in discussions / read forums etc. Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance. The constant advertising from Clickin' Moms (when I paid for a membership) kind of turned me. I just don't get what I am paying for. Like a lot of your readers I am a serious amateur photog and am always keen to improve and "hang" with other photography lovers.

THANKS!

[Linda]

I signed up, too. I know I'll enjoy it so much this next year!

[DeAnne Watson]

I signed up-great idea! I get the daily emails, also. Karen-check out mpix.com, they print on foam board.

[Heather]

Just signed up!

[Crystal]

I signed up looks like a great site

[Lacey]

I hope more people sign up through you, Karen! I am a mentor on CM and can definitely assure everyone that it is such a fabulous online community to be a part of!

Jeni, with your membership you have access to thousands and thousands of threads, tutorials, activities and challenges. In addition, you have access to thousands and thousands of members who are ready and willing to answer any questions you have about photography, to critique your images if you'd like, and to support you through your journey. We do advertise occasionally for our vendors, break-out sessions, and workshops because those help move Clickin Moms forward. :)

Again, thank you for supporting CM in this way, Karen! You are amazing!!

[lunettes de soleil pas cher]

when I paid for a membership) kind of turned me. I just don't get what I am paying for. Like a lot of your readers I am a serious amateur photog and am always keen to improve and "hang" with other photography lovers.

[Chanel Wallet]

Brilliant! Dies ist eine wirklich wunderbare Sachen für mich. Muss zustimmen, dass du einer der coolsten Blogger sind. Ich war neugierig, um eine solche Sachen zu sehen. Fabulous Beitrag!