Explore Your Possibilities

“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”

This week’s post is inspired by a quote by Winnie the Pooh and it’s all about dealing with our insecurities.

Most of us at some point would have been in situations that cause our insecurities to rise to the surface. Situations like a job interview, moving locations, taking a career break, fostering children and meeting new people can all lead to a crisis of confidence.

Every time we have an opportunity to explore our possibilities, we have to battle insecurities.

The mind needs to protect us from pain and one of the ways it does that is by discouraging us from taking risks.

The mind encourages us not to risk failure and it heightens our insecurities to get us to stop and think again. Most of us will talk ourselves out of new possibilities within a few seconds of those thoughts occurring to us.

There have been times in my life when some doors I walked through could easily have remained closed if I had not dealt with my insecurities.

Many years ago, I saw a job advert, but the position was three levels higher than my current position. I was nervous and spoke to my mentor. He asked if I thought I could do the job and I said I could.

I had the relevant qualifications but I needed to believe in myself. I went for the job and the interviewer asked if I knew that this job was far higher than my current job. I told him, ‘Yes’, and I got the job. 

I remember my first speaking engagement about twenty-five years ago.

I didn’t think I could do it. All my insecurities came to the surface. I had a choice to make – give in to them or push through them which I did. The rest is history.

As I reflect on these examples amongst many others, here are a few lessons I have gleaned:

You are not alone

Everyone has their own insecurities, yes, even the most confident people you know.

Remind yourself about this. Others are doing the things you dream of despite their own insecurities.

Acknowledge your insecurities but don’t let them hold you back. Accept that they are a part of life but they don’t have to stop you living your life.

Understand yourself

Where are your insecurities coming from? There are times when it could stem from previous experiences. Taking a careful look at them will give you some insights which can help you deal with them.

It could be that you just need to take some time and plan better so you feel more prepared.

Take stock

Quite often the insecurities are a sign that we doubt ourselves, so taking stock can be quite helpful.

This can look like reviewing your work history and previous successes before going for an interview.

I have a couple of articles that I read to remind myself to have faith in my ability. I know people who read certain books any time they face challenging situations where their insecurities could have been a major issue.

Say yes before the insecurities settle in

Many years ago, I made a decision and adopted a principle that I now live by. It’s saying yes to divine opportunities before my head has a chance to give me reasons to say no.

Tim Fargo said, “Until you cross the bridge of your insecurities, you can’t begin to explore your possibilities.” This is worth pondering about as we start a new week.

What possibilities are currently within your reach and what are you going to do about them? Will you take a step of faith, push past those insecurities and go after doors that are currently opening up to you?

The choice is yours. Just remember, “What if you fly?”

Thanks for reading my post and sharing it with others. Happy Easter and see you next week.