I’ve told you this before, but I’ve learned something very important about myself:
When I feel stuck or trapped, it’s usually because I’m afraid.
Afraid of being and expressing my most authentic self.
I learned that years ago when I felt trapped in the ministry, hopeless and without a bright future. I suddenly realized I wasn’t trapped. I was just afraid of the ramifications of living free… jobless, moneyless, homeless. Legitimate fears. But realizing I was just afraid emboldened me to take steps to liberate myself from a terrible situation and take control of my life.
Now, I recognize that feeling of trapped. And I always eventually suspect the same thing is making me feel that way— fear.
I’ve been feeling stuck lately. Frustrated. Sad.
So I ask myself, “Why?”
“What are you afraid of?”
Oh ya! Same old things. Rebuke. Ridicule. Rejection.
Angela Duckworth studies entrepreneurs. Her research has led her to believe that the number one predictor of success is “grit”— a special blend of passion and persistence.
That’s me. The problem is I see my passion wane when I’m threatened. I see my persistence fail when I’m challenged.
I also saw a clip of the tennis pro Federer speaking at a college convocation where he says he only won about 54% of his shots. But that made him a champion.
Now… what that says to me is that to be a champion, you have to be willing to fail… a LOT. Like, almost half of the time! What set Federer apart is he never gave up. Grit!
So… I feel I’m edging towards a new frontier for me. And I’m scared. I’m not going to give up. I’m allowing my passion to build. I’m gearing up my persistence.
Then I will embark!
What is waiting for you but you’re afraid to proceed?
