Always do what you are afraid to do.~Ralph Waldo Emerson
1. Reframe Imperfection
Perfection is a shield we use to hide from our true gifts.
The most ironic thing I discovered is that those things I thought were my biggest imperfections are actually my greatest gifts. This was so freeing.
So first and most importantly, we must reframe what imperfection means.
By embracing our imperfections not as faults, but as a demonstration of our unique gifts, we can see our strengths more clearly.
2. Avoid Seeking the Approval of Others
We all want to be accepted and loved. However, to really live the life we want we need to tell the truth about who we are, not wait to get praise or approval from others first.
This is a difficult thing to do, and it takes practice. One thing I learned to do is to keep a Self Appreciation Journal where each day I acknowledge and keep track of the things I am most proud of, the good choices I have made, and the successes I have had.
This type of practice strengthens our trust in ourselves, so we don’t always need to look for others for the answer.
3. Rethink Risks
When we start something new, there are so many things we are uncertain about.
It was helpful for me to reframe these moments of uncertainty and the outcomes of these new actions as learning opportunities.
By taking small risks, we move out of our comfort zone and into the learning zone.
We can reframe outcomes that did not go as planned not as mistakes but as good ways to get feedback and learn something new.
4. Know That You Are Enough Right Now
It hit me that I had been bogged down with a list of all of the things I needed to learn, to master, to do before I felt ready to start the career I really wanted. I needed to stop waiting.
We need to let go of the stories we tell ourselves about where we are supposed to be. We are all becoming who we are every day, over and over again. There is no arrival point.
I like to say this short affirmation when I am feeling stuck: “I am enough.”
I am enough. You are enough. We are enough.
Build the Life You Want
The only thing constant in life is change. To fully embrace uncertainty we must replace fear of the unknown with curiosity.
With a curious mindset, we can see the new pathways that point in the direction of our dreams.
Are you ready to embrace uncertainty and build the life you want?
The world is waiting for us to tell our stories and live our dreams. Let’s get started.