The world needs you
Consider for a moment there’s something the world needs and you are the one to do it. You may already know what that something is and are on your way to making it happen. But if something is holding you back, read on.
In previous posts, I wrote about how visioning and values may help you figure out what contribution you want to make in the world. In this post, I focus on how to counter the beliefs that get in your way.
Below are some beliefs that have threatened to hold me back and the antidotes I administer when they arise.
“Who am I to do this?”
To this, I say, “Who am I NOT to do this?”
Or, as Marianne Williamson writes,
“We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God and your playing small does not serve the world.”
By holding back your talents and gifts from the world, you are depriving those who need your contribution.
“I feel like an imposter” or “I don’t have the confidence”
These two are tricky because when we start out, they are partially true. The key to moving forward is to take action despite this self-talk. Accept things may not work. Learn from the results, and either start over or adjust course. If they persist, self-talk antidotes might be:
“I don’t have the confidence yet.”
“How can I be useful until I gain confidence?”
“If it didn’t have to perfect, I would [insert what you want to do].”
“it’s been done before!”
This is probably true! What you want to do has likely been done before. But nobody has done it in the unique way you will. There are people who need what you do in the way YOU do it.
“What will the others think/say?”
The fear of being judged by others is a defense mechanism that ensured the survival of our ancestors. It remains useful to prevent us from harming others. However, this fear can be paralyzing. Two antidotes that are helpful to me are:
“Don’t waste energy over criticisms of those you do not know, respect, or serve.”‡
If a critic is not an active participant in this game of life and trying to make a change in the world, their opinions don’t count. Or, as Brene Brown says, “If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I am not interested in or open to your feedback.”
What beliefs threaten to hold you back from making your contribution in the world? What antidotes will help you move forward?
Sources and further reading:
Marianne Williamson. A return to love. Reflections on the principles of a course in miracles.
‡Marie Forleo. Everything is figureoutable.
Brene Brown. Daring Greatly