As some of my Active Rain friends may know, yesterday was my 40th birthday (Read: Forty, Fabulous and Ready for the Journey) and nothing short of spectacular.
My husband, an eternal romantic and someone who knows no bounds when it comes to celebrating life’s BIG moments, surprised me with a perfect day from beginning to end. Due to our continuous conversations throughout the years, he has been intensely aware of my “bucket list” and my need to “check the box” on several of those items.
So when my first surprise yesterday morning was Bucket List Item #1, I couldn’t contain my excitement.
Rebekah’s First Day of Flying Lessons
Before I knew it, I was soaring above the clouds and flying through the beautiful blue Colorado sky. The freedom and joy that I felt in those 60 minutes are difficult to explain. Flying offers a rush of adrenaline and compels me to perfect my abilities. It’s that merging of a singular moment where all at once you are the master of your destiny and the creator of your own future. Literally, the sky is the limit!
As soon as I had landed, I spoke with a friend who was eager to hear about my experience. After I breathlessly reeled off the highlights, my girlfriend exclaimed…”Rebekah, how in the world did you get in that small plane? I would have just about died from fear!”
The funny thing for me was, never once did the fear of flying cross my mind. It was the excitement and thrill of doing something I had never done before that propelled me.
I saw flying as a challenge and believed that if it was something I truly wanted to do then nothing would stand in my way.
But her words have eaten at me and given me much to ponder in my own life and business.
- How often do we allow our fears to keep our feet pinned to the ground?
- Is it the fear of failure or even worse; is it the fear of success that we’re most frightened of?
- What would happen if we soared above our own expectations?
- What are the consequences for not stepping out of our comfort zone?
Fear is debilitating and paralyzing and can leave us feeling "stuck." Understand though that you are not alone. Everyone has fears, they just come in different shapes and sizes.
Whether it's the fear of speaking in front of a group or the fear that you will flub your way through your first listing presentation, each one is equal in its ability to keep us "stuck" within our business and life.
Be Objective
Take a few minutes and consider the potential benefits of facing your fear.
- What could you accomplish if you faced your fear?
- Is there anything you are losing by letting go of that fear?
- How would your life be different if you were able to overcome just one fear that's been holding you back?
It only takes a moment to turn "Stuck" into "Awestruck" within your business and life.
Isn't it worth making a change?
