But it’s worth it.
If you wonder what I am talking about, I am talking about anything that awakens your self-doubt is worth doing. Anything that strikes fear into your whole being is not easy but it is worth doing or saying. Anything that looks easy to everyone else but feels dang hard to you is worth it. Anything that puts you in the path of criticism. Anything at which you will shine.
There are a lot of ways to say, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” The hardest part is taking that first step, writing that first line, or telling that first person your dream or plan.
It’s not easy…but it’s worth it.
Doing the hard thing is worth it because you discover your courage. The courage to change your world. Yes, a successful outcome is worth it…and, man, it can be so sweet. Yes, lessons learned along the way are worth it…after all, knowledge is priceless. Yes, even failure is worth it…learning from mistakes are the most valuable lessons. But discovering your courage is the best part.
How can you discover your courage?
Deep breaths and trust. Your chest tightens and your eyes feel squinty when you are about to make a change or do something big. Take deep breaths to relax the tight parts of you. Then, trust your heart. Trust the burning light in your heart’s center. Trust that what you share, do, or offer will find a home with those who need it the most…maybe not right away, but eventually. Then, in the middle of sharing and doing, take more deep breaths. Trust that, no matter what, everything will be ok. When the gremlin of self-doubt shows up (and it will), take a deep breath …or several.
Develop your “it-is-worth-it-mantra.” It might go something like: Everything will be ok and so will I. Repeat your mantra to yourself as you take deep breaths. Do that over and over until the swirling, churning fear-gremlins settle down.
This is my version of “feel the fear and do it anyway.” For me, courage isn’t a noun. It’s a verb. Courage is action. Courage is a deep breath and diving in.
It’s not easy…but it’s worth it.
