How do you typically feel when you make a mistake, face a huge setback, or realize that you are in over your head? Is your answer, “not good,” to say the least? More than likely you feel:
- angry
- resentful
- scared
- anxious
- sad
- vulnerable
- physically ill
- guilty
You may start thinking “worst case scenario” type thoughts. Things that in your logical or right mind you would say are ridiculous, but in the heat of the emotion, all your wildest fears take over. You want sympathy. You want guidance. You want somebody to fix it. You want answers.
Want to know what my advice is? “Congratulations. Keep going.”
Defining moments
I say this out of love and understanding, from a been there, felt that sort of place. Everyone has hardships, struggles, and setbacks, it’s part of being alive. But there is a line in the sand, so to speak. A line that defines us. And as each of us steps up to that line, we have a choice to step forward, into uncertainty, into faith, and out of our comfort zone. Or to step back, into the known, into security, into status quo.
So I say congratulations, keep going because I am excited for you. I want to help you see those defining moments in life for what they are – opportunities. Opportunities for growth and expansion. Opportunities for education and learning. Opportunities for things you will only have the chance to experience if you trust yourself enough to try. A lot of times what we fear most is leaving that sense of security, but most of what we think is secure in life is just a false sense of security. It’s not real. It’s only secure because we tell ourselves it is.
Know your power
Congratulations. Keep going. Step forward in confidence, knowing that you do not have all the answers, but that you will figure them out. Step forward, realizing that you will make mistakes, but those mistakes are going to give you the wisdom and strength to make better decisions in the future.
Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep pressing those limits, pushing those boundaries. And one day you will look back and say, “Wow look what I have accomplished,” rather than looking back and saying, “What if I had taken that first step?”
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. When you hit rock bottom the only way is up. So be optimistic becuase you never know what can be created from the problems that you arise from.
Great article…
We can definitely become emotionally attached to our failures or sit and stew for months or decades.
It does take some effort to get up again but it is necessary if we’re to learn and grow…
Like your site.
Kevin
That is so true for me. What I always tell myself it just put one foot ahead of the other and keep on moving. I am going through a period of growth right now too and it is scary to try new things and not be completely 100% sure that the outcome will be positive. But no matter what happens, I just keep putting one foot ahead of the other…..
Great Article – keep them coming!
LOL I thought I was the only one on the planet whose first response to sameone getting fired is “congratulations!” And I really mean it–I don’t say this in a sarcastic way. It’s not the most popular response but of everyone I know who has been fired (myself included), they always end up in a better/more lucrative/mor enjoyable job. Good post and a good reminder for everyone!
Thanks April! I know that it is difficult for many people to understand, but again mindset is such an important part of the process. And I agree, challenge always brings us to better places, we just have to open ourselves up, and transform the “fear” into anticipation and excitement for that next chapter.
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