“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
– Henry Ford
Have you ever tried to do something you didn’t really think you could do? Me neither.
Why is that? Are we so afraid of failure that we won’t attempt something unless we’re absolutely sure that we’ll succeed? I’m afraid so.
But imagine what life would be like if you could take a chance, try something new, and find that you just might be good at it. It’s not only possible, but it can also be fun.
I learned to ski in my late thirties, at the same time my young sons did. Although I was timid and stuck to the bunny hills (the easy ones), my sons took off like pros and were skiing black diamond runs (steep and fast) by the third day! They never considered that they wouldn’t be able to ski. Me, I didn’t think I could ski, so I was afraid to try.
Maybe the fear of failure comes sometime between the teenage years and adult responsibilities. I wish it wouldn’t. Life could be so much more fun if we were adventurous.
So, what is the one thing you figure you could never do? I know I’ll never be a dancer, but that doesn’t keep me from moving to the music and being a part of the chorus in a Christmas show.
What have you never tried but wish you did? Could it be cooking or baking? Or playing an instrument? Or hosting a party? Whatever it is, maybe you could take a leap and try it.
Let’s look at the flip side. Is there something you’re doing that you need to stop? Maybe it’s micromanaging your job. Or your kids. Or something or someone else in your life.
I hate to disillusion you, but the world will not fall apart if you stop controlling everything. Your company will not go bankrupt if you don’t make coffee just so. Your kids need to learn to do things on their own. And you can probably think of other things that you could quit doing.
Remember – whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. So make up your mind that you CAN! Even if you’ve told yourself otherwise for years, you can change your mind. Then, your mind will change your attitude which will change your actions.
Try it.
What do you need to start or stop doing? Take one step in that direction and see if it improves your life. I bet it will.
Great advice, Debbie!!!
Your old roomie,
Susan