Blogpost by Elizabeth Ribons
"When we are children, we live in a world of limited capabilities but boundless possibility. Sadly, as we age, we limit our possibilities in the face of boundless capability. We must forget what it means to be 'grown up'" - Benham Tabrizi
Considering life with wonder...When was the last time you did that? We have so much already in place and it's a finely tuned machine. Right? Or is everything feeling a bit 'lackluster'?
Perhaps you have been considering what it might be like to change lanes. Do something different, bring back that 'wonderment' and excitement but WHAT?
Does it have to be earth-shattering? NO. The idea of change for anyone can be anxiety-provoking, but as this article from Harvard Business Review reflects, challenging ourselves and continuing to learn is beneficial to longevity, our well-being, and our social life. Additionally, as we succeed at learning, we build confidence.
When we consider a new career, interest, or business we can often sidestep any action taken because of 'analysis paralysis' and quickly talk ourselves out of it...Responding to the notion of change with:
- How in the world could I pull that off?
- What would everyone think?
- I don't have the time, the budget, the _________
- I might fail.
- I might be alone
Remember when you first learned to drive? It was all new and you had to summon your courage in order to advance in your daily life. You had to learn to change lanes - otherwise, you could be stuck in a lane that was blocked, or had a slow-moving vehicle, or be forced to merge into a lane you didn't want to be in. You would not reach your destiny unless you changed lanes.
It made sense to take action. And with that action, you gained opportunity. And...confidence.
If we don't create change for ourselves, we stop growing and lose our wonderment for life. We get stuck and the prospect of creating any change for ourselves becomes more difficult or out of reach. When we remove the mystery and wonderment from our lives we are avoiding what we are here for, our best expression of ourselves and life.
Who knows? It could be connecting with people who need your perspective, your friendship, your wisdom.
Many of the podcast guests I have had on the show, knew they had to (or life pushed them) create change for themselves. They all began by taking a small step. A course for instance or volunteering or joining a group - and then, something evolves from there and soon they have changed lanes and are fully engaged.
Is it uncomfortable? Challenging ourselves is uncomfortable but the rewards are a more fulfilled life - not to mention you are necessary. Growth is uncomfortable but it is necessary to remain relevant.
Remember: Everyone else is uncomfortable too but the lane they are in is blocked or stopped moving. They are choosing to change lanes.
What are the steps you can take to boost your confidence?
- Focus on the action in front of you - You don't need to have all the answers - just do one thing at a time. Small steps, small actions.
- Remember you have successfully changed lanes in the past and in hindsight, it was just the right thing for you because it lead you to new paths - wonderment or the destiny you had in mind. It was difficult, but you did it.
- Imagine yourself already in the lane you want to be in. Just as athletes imagine themselves scoring in competitions.
- Keep that destination in mind while taking small actions to move towards it. We don't look down in our laps when we are driving...We look ahead at where we want to go.
- Merge into that lane
That is the first step and then you can begin to explore the new lane (as so many I have worked with start with a small action) and how you want to get to your destiny. You have possibilities
Currently, many are experiencing big and small changes in our lives and the world today. Some are because of changes in the workforce, changes we are electing, changes in our family, roles we had played are no longer required...or what we are doing is truly lackluster and not serving us. It nudges us.
Sadly, many cling to the way 'it used to be' because that is what worked. It is the most comfortable - understandably - but is it? Life is inviting us to meet it with wonderment. To continue to grow, learn, and live our lives in its highest expression.
As we begin a new year, is there a lane change you have been thinking of but pushing aside?
- Start with identifying it
- Remind yourself of all you have accomplished in the past
- Those who love you will support you
- Take small steps to explore
- Reach out to others - find a group, join, connect
- Merge into that lane at the speed you are most comfortable
Your destination may change as you move further along but the growth, wonderment? That is the key to your best life.
Networks are a fabulous way to connect in business for business - but finding support through smaller groups is key.
These groups are very supportive and a terrific way to hear others' experiences and growth in topics of entrepreneurship, new careers, exploring NEXT's, writing books - so many topics to discuss (with wonder). Consider being a part of a NEXT community group.
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