I am working on something that will eventually put me “out there”. It’s a goal that I’m uncomfortable with but feel “called” to do (if you believe in the kind of thing). It will make me vulnerable to criticism. It will give me the perfect opportunity to make a perfectly good fool of myself. Yesterday, I started questioning my efforts. That’s what happens when you take a risk — you question. That’s human nature, but it’s the followthrough that makes you brave.
In looking to rid my insecurities, I stumbled on a TED Talk with Brené Brown who shared a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that helped her and, WOW, it is a powerful one! They were the perfect words to help me move forward. Quick note, those who put themselves out there or take risks are not immune to fear. They have it too. . . BUT, they do it anyway. No one is immune to fear and vulnerability – it’s the DOING that sets them apart.
If you are pursuing something that makes you uncomfortable. If you are about to take a risk that will make you vulnerable and one that will open you up to judgment and criticism, I encourage you to take note of the following quote. It’s a game changer.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I hope those words helped you as they did me. Be brave and victorious by putting yourself in the arena and daring greatly!
BrightLightLiving 