If you are always comfortable, you likely aren’t growing much.
If you are never challenged, you won’t develop much at all.
And, if you never have any fear, you won’t grow.
I’m not suggesting that you walk around each day looking for ways to be scared. I do believe that if you aren’t emotionally (and physically) challenged on a regular basis, you won’t come close to your potential.
When is the last time you had significant fear about something? Then, you did it anyway, and on the other side of that fear was personal or professional growth. What can seem like hell at the time can dramatically improve the quality of your life in the weeks, months and years to come.
Moving to a new location can cause fear or anxiety. Yet, the move is nearly always for a good reason.
Starting a new business can cause stress or fear. Yet, it is also a time of great excitement and opportunity.
What I suggest is paying a lot more attention to how you feel about the opportunities you have, and the feelings you have about each opportunity.
If something gives you zero feelings associated with fear, uncertainty or pressure, you likely won’t grow much from the experience. I could still be fun and something you want to do. That’s great. It’s just that it likely won’t be a huge personal, professional or physical growth opportunity for you.
So, think about it…
What is something you’ve been putting off because of fear, anxiety or uncertainty? Maybe that’s exactly what you should go do first today. You will have a sense of accomplishment. You will learn. It will be a big step forward. You might actually like it.
Do you have paralysis by analysis?
Have you heard of this phrase?
Essentially, it’s when you do NOTHING because you are in a constant state of analysis (worry, usually).
It’s important to do some analysis. You need to do some research. You will want to have some understanding of anything before moving forward. However, sometimes the analysis becomes a crutch, and a reason, for you to never move forward.
Some of my biggest fears (or uncertainties) became my biggest breakthroughs.
Here they are:
The Ironman Triathlon: The name says it all. Wow, that was tough. I was freaked out by the thought of it, and yet I became compelled to finish. In the end, I finished in the top 1/3 of all competitors. And, I knew after that day, nothing could be as physically demanding, so other challenges became less daunting. Getting through the fear and pain created a new perspective on possibility.
Turning a horse ranch into a fitness resort: Way back in 2003, I bought a horse ranch in the mountains outside of Los Angeles. I wanted to turn it into a place for corporate team building, fitness adventures, and even some reality shows. It took 6 months of hard work and a sizable investment. In the end, the place was amazing. At first, I was freaked out by the size of the task. In the end, it was worth it just for the personal growth that took place during the process.
Building my primary business: Way back in 1992, I started my business. I was scared, clueless and yet very motivated to make it a success. At one point, I was down to my last $20. Yes, I’m serious. As I was going to the bank to close my account because I couldn’t pay the monthly service fee… I ran into a friend who would become my mentor. He believed in me. He gave me guidance. He told me to keep going. I did. Fast forward to 2019. The business is still going strong and has customers in 60 countries.
Think about what you used to fear, and now excites you.
What if you never “broke through”?
You would be missing out on that excitement.
Never deny yourself that excitement.
So, here is your task for today:
1. Admit you have some fears
2. Understand, some fears are meant to keep you safe, others are all imagined and don’t serve you
3. Acknowledge a past fear that no longer exists because you “broke through”
4. Commit to breaking through your current fear so you can benefit on the other side of fear
5. Kick ass
Thanks for reading. Have fun!
JSE