Take a Chance on Yourself
So many of us are walking on a path that lies ahead of us. With our heads down, hands to our side, we continue following the pavement we see in front of us. If we get worried or scared, we look straight ahead and see others in front of us. This provides comfort and safety. We feel okay because there are others in line with us. But not once do we dare to get out of line or look on either side of us. All we’ve ever learned is to follow the path other’s have paved for us. To listen to our elders, follow school codes, and churn out from college like kids made in a factory. We’re constantly trained not to think outside the box. We got yelled at when we colored outside of the lines. We were told to quiet down when we asked “why” things were done this way. For how long can we sit still and stay quiet?
What if we want to create our own path and see what’s outside this one path we’re on? Maybe it’d be fun to explore a path that goes through the woods, over the bridge, in a cave, above a mountain and take us somewhere we’d never before dreamt of going.
But even when we dare to dream about it, the fear comes rushing back in.
“What if I fail? What if it doesn’t work out?”
We need to sit down with ourselves and dive deeper into this fear. Where is it coming from? Why are you scared? We need to dig deeper into these fears and understand them. These fears could be because of what other people in that straight line told us or it could be coming from the fact that what’s next is unknown.
I’ve been there. I am there, it’s scary - I know. But let me assure you that addressing these fears is step #1.
After we’ve addressed these fears and understood where they’re coming from, we need to take a look inside ourselves and know that we’re worthy. You will have doubts sometimes telling you “you’re not special” and “who are you to be taking this unknown path” but ignore those doubts and learn to believe in yourself. You are special already by wanting to try something new. You are special already by reflecting in and understanding your fears. There are millions out there who are too afraid to even dream this big. The thought of taking a different path terrifies them. You are special in your own way and your unique abilities are the reasons you are capable of what’s next.
Lastly, we need to consider and put our options into perspective.
Think for yourself: If you don’t take this new crooked path, how much will it impact your life on a scale of 1-10?
Now think again: if you do take this new path, how much will it impact your life on a scale of 1-10?
If the answer to the second question is greater than 6, you owe it to yourself to take this chance. If taking this new path can impact your life on such a big level then why not give it one good shot? Worst case, you can always return back to your original line and at least know in your heart, you at least listened to your gut.
Here’s to you going after a path laid by you and you only. I’m rooting for you.