Hey Me, Get Out of My Way

When was the last time you sabotaged yourself? You’ve probably done it more often than you think. 

You know what I mean, right? You had that great idea during your board meeting, but you bit your tongue because you knew someone was going to shoot holes in it, and you didn’t want to be ‘that guy’. Or, your plan was pretty darn solid, but you weren’t quite sure how your non-profit was going to afford it, so instead of putting it out there to work through it on the fly, you thought you’d keep it on the back burner just a little bit longer. 

Not you? OK, when was the last time you stood in front of your mirror at home, wearing a super creative outfit - something totally original - but you changed back into the same old pants and top because you worried about how you would be received?

When was the last time you didn’t start that business, didn’t write that book swimming in your brain, didn’t e-mail your idol, didn’t ask a special someone out, second guessed that haircut…I bet at least once a year, a month, a week, a day. Why? Insecurity? Fear of failure?Embarrassment? 

Sorry for all the questions (see…I’m worried you’ll judge me). The point is…sometimes in our lives, we sabotage our own growth and successes by getting in our own way. We overthink, we criticize ourselves, we fear the judgement of others. But it’s all for naught. It’s so important to live your truth, to put it all out there, to make mistakes. 

Growth comes from being brave enough to step out into the harsh spotlight of life. So what if your idea is ‘stupid’? That was a trick question. Your ideas are never stupid. They are little nuggets of wisdom from your amazing brain. Seedlings, that may not be fully developed yet, but WILL lead to something brilliant if you just let them out into the warm sunlight so they can grow and stretch and reach for the sky. They will eventually turn into a beautiful flowering something - whatever that is. 

So tomorrow, be brave enough to share your ideas. Say what’s on your mind, that abstract thought you’ve been holding on to for a long time. (Now remember, kindness matters, so be constructive, positive, because Karma is a thing.) Wear one thing that sets you apart. Talk to that other morning-zombie in the Starbucks line. Smile at a stranger and tell them their crazy scarf is amazing. While you’re t it, smile at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you’re amazing. Because you are.

It’s truly simple. Be brave enough to believe in yourself, your worth, your contribution to the world. Get out of your own way and succeed.