Making Learning My Job Reduced My Fear of Failure
Living within two conflicting truths was disorienting—I was content AND I had also become bored and wasn’t growing. A work slowdown brought opportunity. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone was really hard; having a friend on the journey gave me courage, and fear of being left behind gave me an incentive to act. Choosing a perspective re-orders how you engage with an experience. In my case, permission to focus on learning gave me a way to manage my doubts and fears, while lowering the stakes.
I Left Design Because I Had Stopped Growing
I spent more than a decade working in design before finally calling myself a designer. Twenty years into my career, I had created a life that seemed too good to be true. I knew I was spoiled and lucky, and deeply grateful for the privilege. But I felt like I was beginning to stagnate. Yet, despite my growing dissatisfaction, I had convinced myself that I was content.
“Trust The Process”
I'm in the fog right now in coaching certification. I can see aspects of this particular approach that I haven't yet mastered or just don't agree with, but I can't yet see the other side. The fog is uncomfortable and at times disorienting. But I'm also only 1/3 of the way in. I have plenty of time to find my way through.
I don't know the answer, but I trust my ability to figure it out. I'm also the one setting the bar so high for myself, so if my efforts begin to fall short, I know to show myself compassion.
Good Enough to Go Home
We see so much potential and want so badly for the world to be better. But sometimes our high standards don’t serve our main goals. Do you have high standards? If so, you might be prone to chronically over deliver (and possibly burn out).