I Hope I Fail!
I've been pondering what it would be like to take more risks… with the intention to fail. As someone who's always played it safe, only pursuing things I knew I could accomplish, it kept me safe, all bundled up in my comfort zone.
My comfort zone is getting boring.
It's getting monotonous!
When there's nothing to lose, we feel fearless. It's not that there's nothing to lose, it's more that we are detached from the outcome. When we don't attach our identity to what comes next, it's easier to take a chance.
My client texted me a screen shot.
It was an email from SiriusXM.
She won tickets to see Green Day at an intimate venue.
She was beside herself!
She had randomly entered a drawing just a few weeks earlier. After hitting submit, she totally forgot about it and actually assumed she hadn't won. She went on with her life until a day before the show, when she got the email!
It got me thinking about applying for jobs.
It's not that much different.
Ok, so there might be a few things that are different…
but it doesnt need to be.
It's our ego, our thoughts, that get in the way.
My client didn't think:
“Am I worthy of going to this concert?”
“Am I a big enough fan?”
“Am I too old for this concert?”
“I probably wont win, what's the point.”
“Do I know enough of their songs to prove I'm a real fan?”
“Will the day and time work with my schedule?”
What she did think:
“I love Green Day and if I enter I might win.”
The first and last time I saw Green Day. I was 15 years old.
What would it take to apply for a job thinking “I love this place and if I apply, I might get the job!”
I'll speak for myself… I don't.
I get in my head, justifying why I'm not qualified and never apply.
I rarely do anything before I know I am ready.
Before I feel overqualified.
Before I know I have a chance.
Before I know I wont make a fool of myself.
Another fearless/take a chance story; a friend was attracted to her exercise instructor. She wondered if it's ok to ask him out. I said I could never do it, but if she feels called to, who cares what protocol says. (Note to self, never say never!)
She asked him out, he said yes and they went on a lovely date!
It's our limiting thoughts (all the reasons we THINK we shouldn't) that get in the way. It's what's stopping us (ME) from doing exactly what we want!
This is why I love hanging out with young kids. They say and do what they want. I've always admired a child for inserting themself into a strangers game with “Can I play with you?”
A few years ago I did a ten day rejection challenge (based off this) putting myself in uncomfortable situations (like here,) with the hopes of being told no. It was super beneficial. It helped me see that most 'no's' have nothing to do with me. I got better at asking, before going down the overthinking spiral of why I shouldn't. I also got a lot more 'yes's' than I expected.
My failure challenge is still in the works.
By telling you, I'll feel more inclined to follow through.
I'm open to suggestions and you're welcome to join me, if this intrigues you (or terrifies you.)
I'm thinking it would be approaching everything that interests me as if it were a Green Day concert drawing. Submit my info and go about my day.
My invitation for you:
Bring to mind a time you feared failing:
If the fear won, what story did you tell yourself (that talked you out of doing it?)
If you powered through, how did it feel facing your fear?
If you had the same opportunity today, what would you do?
My friend, I'd love to work with you, sharing all my wisdom and support in helping you achieve your hearts desire!
Are you wanting more confidence, less anxiety, or help dealing with other humans, I can help!
Do you have questions?
You can schedule a curiosity call here.
It's a friendly conversation, with no strings attached.
I created a free worksheet to help people figure out their core values and how to apply them in their every day life.
Thanks for reading! I look forward to seeing you next time.
With so much gratitude,
